Box Score

The Utica College field hockey team dropped a non conference decision, 3-0, in its home opener against visiting Hamilton College Saturday at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. The Pioneers (2-2) outshot the undefeated Continentals 8-7 and earned a 12-3 penalty corner advantage on the day but they could not seem to find the back of the net.

Hamilton (2-0) has had UC's number over the course of the last two seasons, outscoring the Pioneers' 7-0, in two victories. Utica holds a 4-2 series advantage over the Continentals dating back to 2004.

Hamilton's Colleen Callaghan netted her first goal of the season at the 13:12 marker to give the Continentals and early 1-0 advantage. Caitlin Livsey sent in the initial shot which was redirected into the back of the cage by Callaghan. Just over three minutes later Erin McNally tallied her first goal of the young season, assisted by Callaghan, to give Hamilton a commanding 2-0 lead at 16:51.

The Pioneers outshot the Continentals 5-3 in the second half but Hamilton goalie Mollie Brooks stood on her head all day and preserved the shut out, totaling eight saves.

Hamilton sealed the victory with a goal in the 43rd minute when Callaghan added her fifth point of the day and second goal of the season of an assist from McNally.

Freshman goalie Samantha Miller (Charlottesville, VA/Charlottesville High) stopped three shots in her first collegiate start for Utica. Junior Jessica Ahearn (Bangor, PA/Bangor) made two defensive saves for the Utica defense.

Hamilton returns to action Tuesday night when it travels to Cortland State. The contest is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. UC returns to the field on Wednesday when it travels to Union College for a non conference contest at 5 pm.

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