UTICA, NY- The Utica College field hockey team scored four second half goals as it downed visiting Houghton College 4-1 in Empire 8 Conference action Saturday afternoon at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.  Freshman Sabrina Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) led the way with two goals, while junior Rylee Meelan (Clinton, NY/Clinton) had one goal and two assists. 
 
After a scoreless first half, the Pioneers wasted little time getting on the board in the second half as Whitehouse netted her first of the day just 20 seconds into the second half.  Senior Maria Orsino (Sauquoit, NY/Sauquoit) played a long ball up the middle to Meelan, who dished it to a wide-open Whitehouse off the left post.  Whitehouse tucked the ball just inside the near post for her third goal in as many games.
 
UC added to its lead at 48:29 as Jessica Belt (Webster, NY/Webster-Schroeder) played a beautiful ball through the legs of a Houghton defender and right on the stick of Joanna Gaertner (Schuylerville, NY/Schuylerville), who fired home her third of the year. 
 
The Pioneers all but sealed the deal in the 59^th minute as Meelan and Whitehouse scored just 25 seconds apart to give UC a commanding 4-0 lead. 
 
Houghton was able to spoil the shutout as the Highlanders scored of a penalty corner as time expired. 
 
Senior Samantha Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) had another impressive showing in goal as she finished with 13 saves.  Her counterpart, Elizabeth Piszker made 10 saves in the loss.
 
The Pioneers improve to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the conference.  UC returns to action Tuesday as it travels to Hartwick for an E8 contest.  Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.