UTICA, NY- Nationally ranked No. 16 Stevens Institute of Technology claimed to top spot in the Empire 8 Conference standings as it defeated host Utica College, 7-1, in women's soccer action Saturday afternoon at the UC grass soccer field. 
 
Utica falls to 3-12-2 (1-6 Empire 8) on the year, while the Ducks remain unbeaten in the E8 with a 6-0-1 conference record and a 13-2-1 mark overall.  Utica will return to action next Saturday as it wraps up the 2015 campaign at Ithaca College.  Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.
 
Stevens used four goals in the first half and three in the second half to top the Pioneers.  Junior Xiomara Rodriguez (Bay Shore, NY/Brentwood) scored the lone goal for Utica, her first of the year, assisted by freshman Abby Reilly (Brookfield, NY/Brookfield).
 
Senior Kelly Heimerle (North Babylon, NY/North Babylon) totaled 13 saves on the day, one shy of her career-best, which she also achieved against Stevens.  Meanwhile, Lindsey Mahnken and Madi Chollett combined for two saves in the win.