The Utica College women's lacrosse team netted five of the game's final seven goals but they could not rebound from a 6-0 deficit as the Pioneers dropped an 8-5 decision at SUNY Potsdam Saturday afternoon. Sophomore Katlyn Banker (Henrietta, NY/Rush-Henrietta) netted a career-high three goals, while Julianne Schultheiss (Commack, NY/Commack) added one goal and one assist for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers dropped to 0-2 on the year and they are now 9-1 all-time against the Bears. SUNY Potsdam improved to 2-1 overall.

It was a tale of two halves for the Pioneers – who were outshot 17-7 in the first 30 minutes –but responded by dominating play in the second half. The Pioneers' come back was halted by a 1-for-6 effort on free position attempts in the second half.

Carly Richards led the first half charge for the Bears that shocked the Pioneers in the opening 30 minutes. Richards played a part in all five first half goals – scoring three and assisting on two others – while Molly Lehman-Lewis scored on Richard's two assists and the Bears found themselves with a 5-0 lead headed into halftime.

Banker got the Pioneers on the board with 21:02 left in regulation to cut the Potsdam lead to 6-1. Sophomore Maria Santucci (Holliston, MA/Marian) tallied her second collegiate assist on UC's first goal of the game.

Banker added her second goal of the contest just over ten minutes later. The Pioneers then poured on three goals in a span of 1:22 but it proved to be too late. Junior Lily Fleskes (Dover, MA/Dover Sherborn), Banker and Schultheiss tallied the Pioneers final three goals.

Sophomore goalie Shelby Barbay (Waterloo, NY/Waterloo) stopped 11 shots in her second loss of the season.

Utica returns to action after Spring Break when it hosts Cazenovia Tuesday, March 24 in non conference play on the turf at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.

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