UTICA, NY (March 28, 2009) - The nationally-ranked No. 15 Stevens Institute of Technology women's lacrosse team jumped out to an 11-3 lead in the first half and never looked back as they defeated host Utica College 17-8 in the Empire 8 Conference opener for both squads Saturday.

With the win Stevens improved to 2-0 all-time against Utica and remained undefeated at 7-0 on the year. Stevens defeated UC 18-8 in the 2008 season opener for the Pioneers. UC evened its record to 3-3 overall on the year with the loss.

The Ducks jumped out to a 4-1 lead 6:54 into the first half of play behind goals from sophomore Christine Smith (28:39), Kara Borzillo (28:00) and two straight from Leah Wasserman (23:42, 23:06).

The Pioneers answered by scoring two of the game's next three goals to cut the Ducks lead to 5-3 with 14:20 remaining in the first half of play. Sophomore stand out Tammy Kohanski assisted on Julianne Schultheiss' ninth goal of the season at 22:39, before Kohanski netted her team-best 19th goal of the season off a free position attempt at the 14:20 mark.

5-3 is the closest the Pioneers would get for the remainder of the contest as the Ducks ripped off six unanswered goals to close out the first half of play. Stevens' leading scorer Alyssa Pigott headed up the onslaught with two consecutive goals in a span of 1:46 and the Ducks earned a commanding 11-3 lead as the halftime horn sounded.

Utica posted a late rally in the second half, tallying four of the games final five goals with under 13:30 to play in the contest, but it proved to be to late as the Ducks earned their seventh victory of the season.

Sophomore Leah Wasserman led all scorers with six points on four goals and two assists for Stevens, while Pigott and Borzillo added five and four points, respectively.

2008 Empire 8 Conference Rookie of the Year Tammy Kohanski registered five points to pace the stingy Pioneers,while Kelly Regan, Kelly Jones, Julianne Schultheiss and Lily Fleskes each netted one goal for UC.

Grace Sack (five) and Shannon McFadden (one) combined for six saves in net for the Ducks, while freshman Shelby Barbay stopped 15 shots for the Pioneers.

Stevens outshot UC 41-16 and earned a 22-18 groundball advantage on the day. Utica converted on 5-of-7 free position opportunties compared to the Ducks 0-for-3 effort.

UC returns to action next Saturday when they continue a three game home stand against conference rival Elmira College at 1:30 p.m. Stevens continues its three game road trip Sunday when they travel to Hartwick College for a conference contest at 1 p.m.

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