Utica, NY – The Utica College women's soccer team hosts Hartwick, for an Empire 8 contest on Wednesday. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Faculty/Staff Appreciation: The Pioneers will be dedicating Wednesday's game to the faculty and staff of Utica College, to show appreciation for all that they do for the school. Each member of the team has chosen a faculty or staff member on campus that has positively affected their experience at Utica College. The names and positions of each selected faculty/staff member will be announced at halftime of the game in recognition of their positive impact on our student-athletes.
Last Time Out: In the team's last appearance, it defeated Elmira by a score of 3-0.
Gabrielle Esposito (Rotterdam, NY/Mohonasen),
Jenna Mazza (Frankfort, NY/Sauquoit Valley), and
Kierra Caissey (Gardner, MA/Gardner) all recorded a goal in the contest.
Keri Berkowitz (Racine, WI/Racine Saint Catherine's) tallied two assists on the day, while teammate
AnnaLisa MacPhee (Latham, NY/Shaker) added an assist of her own. The win improves UC's record to 5-7-1 overall and 2-2 in Empire 8 competition.
Clean Sheets Record: Sophomore goalkeeper
Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) is closing in on the single season record for shutouts this season. Wagner earned a shutout in her most recent performance against Elmira, giving her five so far this year. The program record is 6.1 shutouts, shared by Ashley Kauffman (2005) and Ashley Baker (2003). Right now Wagner is tied for third on the list (Melissa Diana-1998, Ashley Kauffman-2006, Jen Ferluge-1990) and has four guaranteed games left on the schedule.
E8 Tournament Picture: The current standings in the Empire 8 are as follows: 1. Hartwick (5-1 E8), 2. Stevens (5-1 E8), 3. Nazareth (3-1 E8), 4. Houghton (2-2-1 E8), 5. Utica (2-2 E8), 6. Alfred (1-2-2 E8), 7. St. John Fisher (1-3-1 E8), 8. Elmira (0-3-1 E8), 9. Sage (0-4-1 E8). The Pioneers are just one spot out of the tournament right now, with four conference games left on the scheduled. The team still has to play Hartwick, Stevens, Sage, and Alfred. Every game matters as UC fights for a slot in the E8 tournament.
Scouting Hartwick: The Hawks are currently boasting a record of 10-4 overall and 5-1 in conference play. The team is on a three-game win streak after defeating St. John Fisher, 1-0, in double overtime. Sierra Bentley scored the game-winner in the 103rd minute of the contest. Goalkeeper Cassandra Robataille made five saves and earned the shutout in the win. Rachel Weir is the team's leading scorer, as she has tallied six goals so far this season. Sierra Bentley leads the team in assists, tallying seven to go with her two goals scored this year. Robataille is the top goalie on the squad, as she has made 37 saves and earned five shutouts.
Against Hartwick: The last time UC played Hartwick, the Hawks came away with a 4-0 victory. Rachel Weir scored two goals in the contest to help her team earn the win.
Jenna Mazza (Frankfort, NY/Sauquoit Valley) was able to place four of her seven shots on goal, but was unable to beat the goalkeeper.
Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) recorded 11 saves in the contest for Utica. The Pioneers last defeated Hartwick during the 2011 season, by a score of 4-3.
Looking Ahead: UC is set for another home contest on Saturday for Homecoming Weekend and Senior Day. The team will be hosting E8 opponent Stevens, beginning at 5 p.m.
