ELMIRA, NY – The Utica College field hockey team won their first Empire 8 Conference game of the season, snapping a two game losing streak while defeating Elmira College 2-1 at Campus Field in Elmira,NY on Saturday. The Pioneers got the go-ahead goal from Samantha Simmons (Roundout Valley, NY) early in the second half, 44:21, on a cross-box pass from Candice Avion Ashton (Trinidad). It was Utica's first road win of the year, and it evens their record at 3-3 overall. Elmira fell to 0-5 on the season.

Elmira struck early in the first half at 29:14 on a goal by Deanna Henson (Carmel, NY). Utica quickly tied the game at 31:40 on an unassisted baseline shot by sophomore Mallory Mariano(Vernon, NY). Simmons' go-ahead goal in the second half gave Utica their fourth win in their last five contests versus Elmira dating back to 2005.

The Pioneers had 13 corners to compared to Elmira's five, and out shot the Soaring Eagles 21-7. Elmira's Jalene McCulloch (Belleville, Ontario) had 13 saves, while UC sophomore goalie Monica Storms (Owego,NY) tallied five. Simmons' go-ahead goal also tied her for the team lead in points with two through six games.

The Pioneers will travel to play a non-conference game against Oswego at 5 p.m. Wednesday, while Elmira will be home for a conference game Saturday versus Nazareth at 1 p.m.

---www.ucpioneers.com---