ONEONTA, NY - Backed by a pair
Sabrina Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) goals and an incredible defensive effort, the Utica College field hockey team has advanced to its first Empire 8 championship game since 2017 after defeating Hartwick College on the road, 2-1.
After a clean first period,
Sabrina Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) scored the first goal of the game just shy of six minutes into period two. The conference leader in goals scored maneuvered her way downfield to beat the Hawks defense and have just the goalie to beat. Whitehouse's shot was slowed down by the keeper however, the ball made its way through her legs to put the Pioneers ahead 1-0 until halftime.
Hartwick evened the game just over two minutes into the third period. Coming off of a penalty corner, Julie Ruzzi of the Hawks had her shot blocked while
Megan Chamberlain (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury) made a save on Ashley Tricarico's shot. Off of the ensuing rebound, Emily Schaub snuck the ball past Chamberlain to make it a 1-1 game.
The Pioneers retook the lead about five minutes later. Whitehouse and
Madeline Krecidlo (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) fired off a shot each while Whitehouse was fouled while attempting a shot on Krecidlo's miss. On the penalty stroke, Whitehouse fired the ball to the bottom left corner to get by Hartwick goalie Madison Maddocks and reclaim the lead for Utica, 2-1.
The Hawks had three looks in the fourth period but the Pioneers defense, Chamberlain and the rest of the team had their eyes set on the title game. Chamberlain recorded saves on all three Hartwick's shots in the fourth period to secure the semifinal win and a ticket to the conference championship.
UC attempted 13 shots on the night, five of which by Whitehouse while
Sydney Scaccia (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) and
Shannon Jedreicich (Deer Park, NY/Half Hollow Hills East) fired off two shots each. The team's defense, with the likes of
Jenna Carbone (Gloversville, NY/Gloversville) and
Chloe Williams (Holland Patent, NY/Holland Patent) amongst others, helped limit the Hawks to eight shots throughout the game. Chamberlain recorded five saves on seven shots on goal while
Lexi Scaccia (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) was credited with a defensive save in the first period.
Utica will meet top-seeded St. John Fisher for the conference crown at 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 6 in Rochester, NY.
