TROY, NY- The Utica College women's soccer team dropped its first game of the young season Wednesday as it fell to host Russell Sage College 2-0 in Empire 8 Conference action.
 
The Pioneers faced a short turnaround after their season-opening win on Sunday and ran into fresh legs against the Gators, who opened their season against Utica on Wednesday.  Sage used one goal in each half to secure the win. 
 
Sydney Cook (Waterville, NY/Waterville) led Utica with two shots on goal, while Eliza Ericson (Beacon, NY/Beacon), Haley Harrington (Munnsville, NY/Stockbridge Valley), and Kaela Mochak (Westfield, MA/Westfield) each had one shot of goal.  Freshman Courtney Connolly (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) made eight saves in the loss. 
 
Utica (1-1, 1-1 Empire 8) will return to action Sunday as it hosts Nazareth College in the Pioneers' home opener.  Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.