The Utica College women's field hockey team defeated visiting Geneseo State 3-0 in non-conference action on the turf at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium Wednesday.

With the win the Pioneers have now registered two consecutive shut outs and four straight wins. UC improves to 6-5 overall and remains 3-0 in Empire 8 Conference play. Geneseo drops to 5-5 overall on the year and the Knights have now lost two of their last three contests. The Pioneers have now won four straight against Geneseo dating back to 2005 and they have outscored the Knights 9-3 in their last four meetings.

The Pioneers earned a 1-0 lead just 8:17 into the first half when freshman Rebecca Corsones (Kingston/Hurley) netted her second consecutive goal, spanning the course of two games. Corsones slammed home the rebound after freshman Mallory Mariano's (Vernon Verona Sherrill/Oneida) shot was saved by Geneseo goalie Emily O'Leary. Corsones' first goal of the season came in the Pioneers' 1-0 win over Empire 8 Conference rival Nazareth College on Saturday.

UC took a commanding 2-0 lead just over six minutes before the half when junior defender Shannon Moats (Vernon Verona Sherrill/Vernon) riffled home her first collegiate goal on an assist from sophomore Lucy Papia (Williamsville North/Williamsville). Moats originally sent in the penalty corner and planted herself on the opposite side of the net. Papia's initial shot was saved by O'Leary and Moats knocked the rebound home at the 26:49 mark to extend the Pioneer lead.

UC goalie Amanda McDonnell (Portsmouth Abby/Sagamore Beach, MA), who was recently named Empire 8 Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season, saved 11 shots in the first half to keep the Knights offensive onslaught at bay.

The second half was a stalemate until sophomore Sarah Keller (Elizabethtown/Elizabethtown, PA) knocked in her third goal of the season with just two seconds left on the clock. Corsones recorded her third point of the day when she assisted Keller in the final moments.

Despite being out shot 16-7 the Pioneers were able to cash in, finding the back of the net on three-of-five shots on goal. Geneseo also earned an 8-5 penalty corner advantage on the day.

McDonnell closed out the evening with 13 saves, while her counterpart O'Leary stopped one shot.

UC returns to action Sunday when the Pioneers host nationally-ranked Stevens Institute of Technology for a pivotal conference contest. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and live streaming video will be available at www.empire8.tv. Live stats for the contest will be available at www.ucpioneers.com.

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