Houghton, NY – The Utica College women's soccer team won its third match in a row on Saturday, defeating Houghton in Empire 8 action. The Pioneers improve to 5-3-2 overall and 2-0-1 in conference play, behind Mikayla Blumenstock's (Poland, NY/Poland) hat trick.
 
Junior Mikayla Blumenstock (Poland, NY/Poland) registered three goals, all in the second half against Houghton to keep UC undefeated in conference play. Blumenstock is the team's leading goal scorer after her performance, with six goals on the season.
 
The Highlanders struck first blood in the opening half of play, as Kealy DeForest put Houghton up 1-0 just after the 36 minute mark. Houghton entered halftime with a one score lead.
 
In the first 3 minutes and 11 seconds into the second half, Mikayla Blumenstock (Poland, NY/Poland) tied the game up at 1-1. Just five minutes later in the match Blumenstock dribbled through the Houghton defenders to score a second goal and give Utica a 2-1. The hosting Highlanders would answer quickly, as DeForest scored her second of the game to tie it back up at 2 apiece.
 
In the 75^th minute of the match Blumenstock completed the hat trick to put the Pioneers up 3-2, which eventually became the final score of the contest. Goalkeeper Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) helped Utica secure the win with four saves.
 
Kealy DeForest led Houghton with two goals in the loss, as the Highlanders drop to 4-2-2 overall and 0-2-1 in Empire 8 play. Sadie Dunnett made three saves in net for Houghton.
 
The Pioneers return to action on Wednesday as they return home to host Sage for another conference matchup. The match is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.