BOX SCORE

UTICA, N.Y. (10/9/10) – Junior midfielder Avion Ashton (Trinidad/Sixth Form Government) netted the game-winner 1:54 into the first overtime period to lift the Utica College field hockey team to a 2-1 victory over Empire 8 Conference rival Hartwick College at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium Saturday night. The Pioneers improved to 5-7 overall and 3-1 in conference play and also supported their case for a bid to the conference tournament with a win over the Hawks.

Jessica Ahearn (Bangor, PA/Bangor) opened the scoring on the day for the Pioneers' when she netted her fourth goal of the season off a rebound in the 34th minute. Ashton, who was an all-conference selection one year ago, was credited with an assist on the first Pioneer goal, which gave them an early 1-0 lead.

Jen Kaye netted the equalizer for Hartwick (3-8, 1-3 E8) in the 55th minute, her third goal of the season, when she tipped home a shot from the stick of Amanda Barton to knot the score at 1-1.

Ashton's overtime goal came off a penalty corner from senior Erin Murphy (West Winfield, NY/Mt. Markham) and beat Hartwick goalie Mackenzie Chapman on the lower left side.

UC goalie Monica Storms (Owego, NY/Owego) stopped seven shots, including several key saves throughout the course of the contest.

The Pioneers return to action at home on Friday when they host RPI for a non conference contest. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

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