CANTON, NY- The Utica College field hockey team dropped its season opener, 2-1, to Oneonta Saturday afternoon at the St. Lawrence Tournament.  Sophomore Jessica Belt (Webster, NY/Webster-Schroeder) scored the lone goal for UC. 
 
After a scoreless first half, the Pioneers opened the scoring just over four minutes into the second stanza as Belt netted the first goal of the season.  The Red Dragons responded just 1:47 later as Allyson Wells scored off an assist from Carissa Warren.  Oneonta took the lead at 48:41 when Madeline Reilly netter her first of the year, assisted by Warren.
 
Utica threatened late in the game as the Pioneers were awarded a penalty corner as time expired, however UC was unable to convert and Oneonta held on for the victory.  Utica was outshot 15-2 on the day.  Senior Rachael Scaramuzzino (Utica, NY/Whitesboro) had the other shot on goal for the Pioneers.  Junior Samantha Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) made a career-high 13 saves in the loss.
 
The Pioneers look to bounce back Sunday as they wrap up the weekend against New Paltz.  Game time is scheduled for 11 a.m.