Box Score Utica, NY (4/9/14)- The Utica College women's hockey team cruised to a 5-1 win over Neumann University Sunday afternoon at the Utica Memorial Auditorium to complete the series sweep over the Knights. Freshman Gabrielle Schnepp (Northville, MI/Belle Tire) led the way for the Pioneers with two goals and one assist.

The Pioneers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period as senior Vanessa Maines (Boxborough, MA/Boston Jr. Shamrocks) and sophomore Morgan Reed (Fort Myers, FL/Cushing Academy) each scored their eighth goal of the season, just one minute apart. Schnepp and junior Kelsey Dowdall (Smiths Falls, ONT/Nepean) assisted on Maines' goal, while senior Megan Myers (Las Vegas, NV/LA Selects) registered an assist on Reed's tally. UC added another score at 5:42 of the second as Kristen Beckman (Arnold, MD/Northwood School) tallied her third of the year, assisted by Myers and Nicole Keiffer. Myers now has 134 career points, tying her with All-American and Pioneer Hall of Famer, Stephanie Price '07 for second on the College's all-time list.

Neumann was able to get on the board just 23 seconds into the final frame as Edie Brenning found the back of the net for her sixth of the year, assisted by Meghan Power. UC regained control however, as Schnepp netted two power play goals in the third, assisted by Maines, Keiffer, and senior Meredith Tice (Hershey, PA/Washington Pride).

The Pioneers converted on 3-of-8 power plays, while holding the Knights scoreless on six chances with the man advantage. Senior Jennifer Hamel (Ithaca, NY/Northwood School) made 24 saves to earn her 11th win of the season, and 33rd of her career. Hamel is now second all-time in wins, just two behind current record holder, Jill Doherty '10. Justina Mayr stopped 27 in the loss.

Utica, now 15-6 (8-4 ECAC West), takes on Oswego State next weekend in a crucial ECAC West match up. The Lakers are currently tied for third place in the conference standings, just one point ahead of Utica. UC hosts Oswego Saturday at 2:30 p.m. before both teams head to Oswego on Sunday for the series finale at 4 p.m.



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