UTICA, NY – The Utica College women's soccer team will head to Clinton, NY to face Hamilton College on Sunday in a non-conference matchup. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Last Time Out: UC is currently 5-4-2 (2-1-1 Empire 8) this season and is 4-1-1 over the last six games. The Pioneers are coming off a 2-1 loss against Sage, which snapped their three-match win streak. Sophomore Kierra Caissey (Gardner, MA/Gardner) was the Pioneers lone scorer in that one, scoring off a penalty kick late in the second half. Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) made four saves for Utica in the loss.
Finishing Strong: The Pioneers have outscored their opponents 21 to 16 and they are third in the Empire 8 in goals scored as a team. Kierra Caissey (Gardner, MA/Gardner) and Mikayla Blumenstock (Poland, NY/Poland) lead UC in scoring with six goals apiece. They are both tied for third in the E8 in goals scored. Blumenstock is also leading the team in assists with four, ranking third in the conference.
Guarding The Net: Junior Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) is UC's top goalkeeper, saving 80 shots in 11 games this season. She is currently ranked second behind Nazareth's, Hannah Miller (87), for most saves in the Empire 8.
Scouting Hamilton: The Continentals are currently 3-2-3 (3-2-2 NESCAC) this season. They are coming off a 1-1 draw against nationally ranked Tufts University last Sunday. Cat Gambino is the team's leading goal scorer this season with four scores thus far, while teammate Kayleigh Harris is tops on the team with three assists.
Against Hamilton: The Pioneers are 0-5 against the Continentals in the last five years. The last meeting between the two teams was last season, during which UC lost, 1-0. Hamilton's, Katie Kreider was the lone scorer of the game to give the Continentals the win. Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) had 14 saves throughout the game for Utica.
Looking Ahead: The Pioneers will return home next Wednesday to face Morrisville State College for UC's Faculty/Staff Appreciation Game. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m.
