Hoboken, NJ – The Utica College field hockey team defeated Empire 8 foe Stevens on Saturday, 4-1. The win improves UC's record to 6-4 overall and 3-2 against conference opponents.
 
The Ducks took an early 1-0 lead in the contest, as Michaela Thompson netted the first goal of the game just three minutes in. The Pioneers would respond just two minutes later with a score of their own. Rylee Meelan (Clinton, NY/Clinton) recorded her seventh goal of the season, scoring on a penalty stroke attempt, to tie the game up at 1-1.
 
At the eight minute mark, sophomore Ricki Haab (Stowe, VT/Stowe) finished off an opportunity in front of the net to take a 2-1 lead for Utica. The team added another score in the first half, as Jessica Belt (Webster, NY/Webster-Schroeder) notched her first goal of the season off of a corner, to make the score 3-1 at halftime. Then the Pioneers put the game away in the second half, scoring its fourth unanswered goal thanks to Sabrina Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich).
 
Utica College goaltender Samantha Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) made nine saves in net for the team, securing the 4-1 victory. Stevens goalie Nicole Mottole recorded nine saves as well in the contest.
 
UC had contributions from everyone on the field Saturday, as all four goals were scored by different players. Ricki Haab (Stowe, VT/Stowe) and Rylee Meelan (Clinton, NY/Clinton) also added one assist each in the win. This was the first time the Pioneers have defeated E8 rival Stevens since 2014, when the team also won by a score of 4-1.
 
The Pioneers will be back on the field on October 7th, as they play host to Washington and Jefferson College. The game is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.