Utica, NY - The Utica College women's soccer team returns home this Wednesday for its final home game of the season against Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts at 7 p.m.

Last Time Out: Despite owning the advantage in almost every statistical category, the Pioneers fell to the Nazareth Golden Flyers last Wednesday on senior night by a score of 1-0. UC posted a game-high 13 shots, five of which were on goal. Senior goalie Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) also added three saves in the effort, but the Pioneers were unable to notch an equalizer goal to force overtime.

Conference Leaders: The Pioneers have numerous representatives that currently rank in the top 10 of various statistical categories in the Empire 8. Mikayla Blumenstock (Poland, NY/Poland) is the most prevalent name, as she currently sits atop the points leader board with 31. The senior also has a conference-best 15 goals while also adding one assist. Junior Kierra Caissey (Gardner, MA/Gardner) is right behind Blumenstock, as she holds the No. 5 conference spot in both points with 13 and goals with six. Freshman Eliza Ericson (Beacon, NY/Beacon) has accumulated four assists this season, which puts her at fifth in the conference, and junior Summer Gagnon (Manchester, NH/Manchester) sits right behind her with three.

Brick Wall: Allison Wagner (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) has continued her stellar career as a Pioneer during her senior campaign, as she is ranked second in the E8 in save percentage (.867) and third in both saves (98) and saves per game (7.54). Wagner also tabbed a season-high 20 saves against Hamilton, which is the single-game high in the Empire 8 thus far.

High-Powered Offense: UC has done a great job offensively this season, as it currently has one of the top-ranked offense in the E8. The Pioneers have averaged 1.80 goals and 1.20 assists per game, both of which are good for third-best in the league.

Clean Sweep: Utica swept the ECAC Player of the Month honors in September, as Blumenstock won Offensive Player of the Month and Wagner won Defensive Player of the Month.

Defensive Prowess: Junior Amanda Thut (Carmel, NY/Carmel) and senior Summer Gagnon (Manchester, NH/Manchester) currently lead the team in minutes played with 1228 and 1990, respectively. Both of these defenders have served as the core of the Pioneer's backline all season.

Playoff Hunt: The Pioneers are currently tied for fourth place in the conference with a 2-3-1 record in the E8, a spot they share with the Houghton Highlanders. UC is currently fighting for the final spot in the E8 Tournament, and it could clinch playoffs with a win over Elmira on Saturday and an Alfred loss or tie to Houhgton. Utica could end up tied with Houghton at 10 points, but the Pioneers hold the tiebreaker due to a 3-0 win over the Highlanders on September 21.

Inaugural Matchup: This marks the first time that these two teams will matchup against each other for the first time in program history.

Scouting MCLA: The Trailblazers currently sport a 2-13-1 record in 2019, with their sole wins coming over Northern-Vermont Johnson and SUNY Cobleskill. MCLA enters this contest losing its last four, including a 3-0 loss against Empire 8 member Hartwick on October 22.

Up Next: The Pioneers head back on the road for their final game of the season against Elmira on Saturday at 1 p.m.