PURCHASE, NY- The nationally ranked No. 14 Utica College men's hockey team picked up a key UCHC Conference win Friday night as it defeated Manhattanville College 2-1.
 
With the win, the Pioneers (7-2, 3-2 UCHC) have now won four straight and will look to keep their momentum going Saturday as they return home to host Kings College.  Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
The Valiants opened the scoring at 4:50 of the first period as Matt Lippa found the back of the net for his six of the year.  Utica responded exactly five minutes later as sophomore Jacob Gerson (Colorado Springs, CO/Hampton Roads (USPHL)) netted his first of the year.  Senior Dalton Carter (Toledo, OH/Northern Cyclones (EHL)) fired the initial shot from the point that Manhattanville goalie Tyler Feaver stopped, but Gerson was there to put in the rebound to even the score at one all.  Freshman Conor Landrigan (New Tripoli, PA/Binghamton Jr. Sens (NAHL)) also assisted on the play. 
 
UC took the lead for good at 7:31 of the second period when senior Roman Ammirato (Williamstown, NJ/Union College (ECAC)) put in a loose puck in front for his fifth of the season.  Justin Derlago (Winnipeg, Manitoba/Selkirk (MJHL)) and Kevin Valenti (Queensbury, NY/Northern Cyclones (EHL)) assisted on the power play tally. 
 
Sophomore Patrik Virtanen (Vantaa, Finland/Lincoln (USHL)) came up big all game, especially in the first period as the Pioneers took five penalties in the opening frame.  Virtanen finished with 30 saves on the evening, while Feaver stopped 21 shots for the Valiants.