The Utica College women's lacrosse team defeated host Hartwick College 12-11Friday in Empire 8 action as the Pioneers improved to 1-0 in conference play. The Pioneers were led by juniors Tammy Kohanski (Syracuse, NY/Corcoran) (Syracuse, NY) and Julianne Schultheiss (Commack, NY/Commack) (Commack, NY) along with sophomore Katlyn Banker (Henrietta, NY/Rush-Henrietta) (Henrietta, NY) who each had four points.

The Pioneers opened the scoring on the evening when Banker scored off an assist from Schultheiss with 25:28 left in the half. UC held a 4-3 lead over the Hawks halfway through the first but four yellow card penalties in the first half helped Hartwick score three straight goals and take a 6-4 lead going into halftime.

Going into the second half, UC was able to get off to a hot start as two straight goals helped the Pioneers tie the game at six. Following a go-ahead goal by Hartwick's Erica Scicchitano, Utica College would net three consecutive goals from Banker, Kohnanski, and junior Kelley Fullerton (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool) (Liverpool, NY) to take a 9-7 lead. The Pioneers were able to add an insurance goal with 2:10 remaining as Schultheiss scored unassisted and UC went on to win 12-11.

Sophomore goalie Shelby Barbay (Waterloo, NY/Waterloo) (Waterloo, NY) recorded 12 saves on the day and earned her third win of the season.

The Pioneers will be back in action tomorrow as they travel to Hoboken, NJ to take on nationally No. 10 ranked Stevens Institute of Technology with the game expected to start at noon.

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