UTICA, NY- The Utica College field hockey team dropped a heartbreaker Sunday as it fell to visiting Stevens Institute of Technology 3-2 in Empire 8 Conference action.
 
After more than 20 minutes of scoreless play to open the game, senior Rylee Meelan (Clinton, NY/Clinton) broke the deadlock as she put in a feed from Jessica Belt (Webster, NY/Webster-Schroeder) for her 12^th of the year. 
 
Meelan added another tally within the final minute of the first half as she rocketed a shot off the corner to put UC up 2-0.  Sabrina Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) assisted on Meelan's career-high 13^th goal of the season. 
 
Stevens scored three goals in 9:10 in the second half to come from behind as take a 3-2 lead with 7:38 remaining in regulation.  Michaela Thompson had two goals for the Ducks, while Jaymie Fiebel scored the game-winner. 
 
The Pioneers threatened in the closing seconds as they were awarded two penalty corners as time expired, but UC was not able to net the equalizer and Stevens held on for the win.
 
Megan Chamberlain (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury) made eight saves in net, while her counterpart, Emily Franco, had five saves.  Senior Madison Babicz (New Hartford, NY/New Hartford) recorded two defensive saves on the day and she now leads the conference with seven defensive saves this season.  Seven defensive saves in a season matches UC's all-time record, which is held by 2018 graduate, Jordan Noga (Marcy, NY/Whitesboro).
 
The road doesn't get easier for Utica as the Pioneers travel to Empire 8 frontrunner, Washington & Jefferson College on Saturday.  Game time is scheduled for 10 a.m.