The Utica College field hockey team (8-8) snapped a five game slide on Wednesday night after a convincing 4-1 victory over visiting Oneonta State (8-9) on the turf at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. Freshman forward Samantha Simmons netted a career-high three goals in the contest to pace the Pioneers. Simmons became just the sixth player in school-history to score three or more goals in a single contest. 

With the win the Pioneers even their record back up at 8-8 overall on the year with one regular season contest remaining.  In order to advance to post season play UC needs Elmira to defeat Ithaca in Empire 8 Conference play on Saturday.

The Pioneers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first 18 minutes of play.  All three goals were score by Simmons.  She gave the Pioneers a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute after Lindsey Jester sent in the initial shot and it was rebounded home by Simmons.  The Pioneers took a 2-0 lead when Simmons tipped home a shot sent in by senior Elizabeth Knudsen.  Her third goal of the game, and team-high fifth of the season, came after a shot from Rebecca Corsones deflected off the goalie and right to Simmons for the goal on the opposite post.  

Knudsen needs just one more assist to move into sole possession of second place on the College's all-time assist list.

Corsones added an insurance goal for the Pioneers in the 65th minute of the second half to give UC a commanding 4-0 lead. 

Oneonta was able to muster a goal at 67:25 to cut the Pioneer lead to 4-1, but it proved to be too late as the UC defese stood strong and held on for the victory.

Leslie Dauphinais stopped a game-high 12 shots in net for the Red Dragons while Monica Storms made five saves in net for UC. 

The Pioneers out shot Oneonta 21-7 on the day and earned a 10-8 penalty corner advantage. 

The Pioneers return to action Saturday against non conference opponent Skidmore College at Thoroughbred field.  UC's last regular season contest of the season is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

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