Hoboken, NJ – The Utica College women's soccer team faced off against the #3 seeded Hartwick College in the Empire 8 Conference Semifinal match on Friday. The Pioneers defeated the Hawks in a penalty kick shootout, 4-2, advancing to the Empire 8 Championship game for the first time since 2006 and just the second time in program history.

Goalkeeper Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) made four first half saves, as Hartwick outshot UC 10-0 in the opening half of the semifinal match. Utica was able to put more offensive pressure on the Hawks in the second, firing six shots and earning four corner kick opportunities. Despite both teams having chances in regulation and overtime, the game stayed tied at 0-0 and went to a penalty kick shootout to decide the winner.

Hartwick's Zoe Capanna was given the first shot in PK's, hitting it off the post to start the shootout with a miss. AnnaLisa MacPhee (Latham, NY/Shaker) and Amanda Thut (Carmel, NY/Carmel) stepped up to score on their opportunities in the shootout for Utica. After Tanner Reed scored for the Hawks, teammate Gabrielle Kreppein's attempt was saved by UC's Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy). Freshman Katherine Migliori (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) scored on her chance, giving the Pioneers a 3-1 advantage in the shootout.

Samantha Ford scored on her shot for the Hawks, to make the PK tally 3-2 and keep her team in it. However, sophomore Emma Workman (Salt Lake City, UT/East) put the game away with Utica's fourth straight score in the shootout to seal the win and move on to the conference championship match.

The Pioneers are now scheduled to face the winner of Friday night's matchup between Sage and the host school Stevens. The Empire 8 Championship match is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, where Utica will attempt to win its first ever conference championship.