Elmira, NY – The Utica College women's soccer team defeated Empire 8 opponent Elmira, 3-0, on Saturday. The Pioneers improve to 5-7-1 overall and 2-2 in conference play.
 
UC maintained control of the game throughout the first half, outshooting the Soaring Eagles 13-3 in the first 45 minutes. Gabrielle Esposito (Rotterdam, NY/Mohonasen) notched the first score of the contest, near the 40th minute, coming from a pass by teammate AnnaLisa MacPhee (Latham, NY/Shaker). Utica entered halftime with a 1-0 lead.
 
The Pioneers continued to put pressure on Elmira's defense with nine more shots in the second half. Jenna Mazza (Frankfort, NY/Sauquoit Valley) was able to finish off an opportunity after receiving a through ball from Keri Berkowitz (Racine, WI/Racine Saint Catherine's). Berkowitz added a second assist in the game, as she set Kierra Caissey (Gardner, MA/Gardner) up for the team's third goal of the day. UC was able to win its second E8 contest of the season by a score of 3-0.
 
Utica goalkeeper Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) made four stops in net for the team, on her way to earning her 5th shutout of the season. Elmira's Rachel Grampp made a total of seven saves in the contest for the Soaring Eagles.
 
The Pioneers return to action on Wednesday for another conference competition. They will play host to the Hartwick Hawks, beginning at 7 p.m. at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.