UNION, NJ – The Utica College field hockey team suffered a crippling 5-0 defeat in its season opener against Kean University Tuesday night. The Pioneers look to bounce back this weekend as they host Oneonta and New Paltz for a non-conference set.  UC will take on Oneonta on Saturday at 2 p.m. before facing New Paltz Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
 
The Cougars jumped out to a quick start, outshooting Utica 15-4 in the first half and scoring twice within the first 17 minutes of action.  Krista LaMaina opened the scoring as she put in a loose ball off a corner at 12:22. Just four minutes later, Kean extended its lead as Marissa Robinson netted her first of the year off an assist from Teresa Carr. 
 
The home team went on to add three more scores in the second half to pick up the win.  Junior Meghan McCormick (Ava, NY/RFA) led the way for the Pioneers as she fired a team-high five shots.  Senior Kells Casey (Sandwich, MA/Kimball Union Academy) and sophomore Samantha Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) combined for 13 saves on the day, while Kean's Katie DiCarlo made five stops to earn the shutout.  This marks the first time Utica has been held scoreless in 22 straight games.