Box Score Utica, NY (9/22/12)- The Utica College women's soccer team lost a heartbreaker, Saturday as it fell to Alfred University, 1-0, in Utica's “Kick Cancer” game.

The weather played a factor in most the contest as heavy rain slowed the pace of the game.  Utica only fired two shots on goal in the first half, while Alfred mustered just three shots on goal.

The game opened up more in the second half as the weather started to clear up.  Both teams exchanged chances, but were unable to score.  Despite a lot of Utica pressure in the last five minutes, the Pioneers we unable to solve Alfred's Samijo Scheer and the game went into extra time.

After a scoreless first overtime period, Alfred's Mary Hendee broke the tie in the 108th minute.  Hendee and teammate Rachel Williams received a ball at midfield and ran in uncontested towards the Utica goal.  Williams shot a low ball towards the far post that goalkeeper Caitlyn Smith (Waterville, NY/Madison) stopped with a diving save.  Hendee picked up the rebound and fired a shot into the open goal before Smith could recover.

Scheer made nine saves in the win for the Saxons, while Smith stopped six shots in the loss.  Samantha Spohler (East Durham, NY/Cairo Durham), Sarah Southwell (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy), and Courtney Wheeler (Ava, NY/Rome Free Academy) each had two shots on goal for UC.  Alfred improves to 5-3 overall and 1-2 in the Empire 8, while Utica drops to 6-2 and 0-1 in league play.

The Pioneers return to action Wednesday, as it hosts Elmira College.  The E8 Conference game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.


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