Utica, NY -- The Utica College women's soccer team is at home this Saturday for Senior Day, as Alfred University comes to town for some Empire 8 action. UC looks to improve its spot in the conference standings as the game is set to kick-off at 1 p.m.
Last Time Out: Utica took down the visiting Morrisville Mustangs in its last match, 2-1 in overtime. Mikayla Blumenstock (Poland, NY/Poland) scored in regulation, assisted by Gabrielle Esposito (Rotterdam, NY/Mohonasen) and Lauren MacDonald (Poughquag, NY/Arlington), to send the game to a 1-1 tie. Just 39 seconds into the first period of extra time, Kierra Caissey (Gardner, MA/Gardner) found Abby Reilly (Brookfield, NY/Brookfield) who scored the game-winner. Freshman goalkeeper Emily Hill (Watertown, CT/Watertown) made her first career start in the win, as the Pioneers improve to 6-5-2 overall.
Senior Day: Saturday is Senior Day for the UC women's soccer team, which will be held to honor the seniors and thank them for their contributions to the program. This year's class consists of six players who will be completing their final season at Utica at the end of the year. The list of seniors includes: Jessica Levy (Coram, NY/Longwood), Gabrielle Esposito (Rotterdam, NY/Mohonasen), Brooke Catalano (West Islip, NY/West Islip), Jenna Mazza (Frankfort, NY/Sauquoit Valley), AnnaLisa MacPhee (Latham, NY/Shaker), and Abby Reilly (Brookfield, NY/Brookfield). Each individual will be recognized during a short ceremony, prior to the game.
Top Statistics: Mikayla Blumenstock (Poland, NY/Poland) has made a significant impact for the team this season, as she is currently second in the Empire 8 in goals (7) and total points (18). She leads UC in goals, assists (4), points, shots taken (50), and shots on goal (32). Kierra Caissey (Gardner, MA/Gardner) is right behind Blumenstock with six scores of her own this season. Goalkeeper Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) is atop the E8 rankings with a tally of 98 saves on the year.
Overtime Experience: The Pioneers have had four games already this season head into extra time, as a winner of the match was not decided in regulation. In overtime contests the team is 2-0-2, with games against Morrisville, Cazenovia, Nazareth and Buffalo State all heading to extra time. Blumenstock and Reilly have been the overtime heroes as each have netted one game-winning score in overtime wins. The experiences of playing multiple overtime matches and being able to pull out wins in extra time will prove to be valuable for this team moving forward.
E8 Tournament Hopes: With a mark of 2-1-1 against Empire 8 opponents, UC is right in the middle of the pack in the conference standings. The team's schedule has three remaining E8 matchups after playing Alfred, as the Pioneers still have to battle Hartwick, St. John Fisher, and Stevens. The road ahead for Utica is tough, but the reward for success throughout the remaining regular season games is the program's first E8 Tournament berth since 2007.
Scouting Alfred: The Saxons are sporting a record of 8-5 overall and 2-3 against E8 foes at this point in the season. Alfred is looking to avoid a three-game losing streak on Saturday, since dropping its last two matches to Nazareth (0-1) and Stevens (1-5). Amanda Guariglia leads the team with five scores on the year, while teammate Emily Wright's four assists is tops for the Saxons. Goalkeeper Makenzie Cashmer has made a total of 37 saves in net for Alfred this season.
Looking Ahead: The Pioneers are back in action next Thursday when they travel across town to face the local SUNY Poly Wildcats. This non-conference match is schedule to start at 1 p.m.
