UTICA, NY- The Utica College women's lacrosse team outscored Clarkson University 7-5 in the second half, but it was not enough as the Pioneers fell to the Golden Knights 12-8 in non-conference action Saturday.  Junior Natalie Capriglione (New Milford, CT/New Milford) had a career-high six goals in the second half and sophomore Halie Vandemeulen made a career-best 19 saves to lead the way for UC.
 
The Pioneers (1-2) look to bounce back this week as they travel to Sparks, MD for a pair of games at the US Lacrosse Headquarters.  Utica will take on Albright College on Tuesday at 5 p.m. before facing Southern Vermont on Wednesday (11 a.m.)
 
The first half was all Clarkson as the Golden Knights carried a 7-1 lead into halftime.  Utica's lone goal in the first half was scored by sophomore Hailee DuMont (Wilkes-Barre, PA/James M. Coughlin), assisted by Stephanie Husnay (Canastota, NY/Whitesboro).
 
The Pioneers battled back in the second half and scored five of the last six goals of the game to make for an interesting finish.  Capriglione seemingly could not miss as she scored six goals on just seven shots.  Katlyn Scarpinella (South Setauket, NY/Ward Melville) also scored for UC, while Husnay had a team-high two assists, and Lauren Wolff (Peabody, MA/Peabody) was also credited with a helper.
 
Scarpinella, DuMont, and Kaitlynn Palmer (Verona, NY/VVS) tied for the team-lead with four draw controls each, while Scarpinella and Devon Burri (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) lead the field players with three ground balls each. 
 
Vandermeulen made a number of big saves to keep UC in the game as she finished with a new career-high on the day.  Her counterpart, Samantha Gladd totaled ten saves in the loss.