TROY, NY- The Utica College field hockey team suffered its first loss of the 2017 season Wednesday night as it fell to host Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 6-2 in non-conference play.
 
The Engineers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 19 minutes of action, before freshman Sabrina Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) was able to cut the deficit to one with just over five minutes remaining in the half.  Whitehouse's tally was her second in as many games. 
 
Junior Rylee Meelan (Clinton, NY/Clinton) netted her team-leading fourth goal of the year, off a penalty corner, but it was not enough as UC fell to 4-1 on the year.  Melissa Koch (Syracuse, NY/East Syracuse Minoa) and Sabrina Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) were credited with assists on the play.
 
Senior Samantha Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) made 10 saves in the loss, while RPI's Rachel Kaufman had eight saves. 
 
The Pioneers look to bounce back Saturday as they welcome Houghton College.  The Empire 8 Conference matchup is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.