UTICA, NY- The Utica College field hockey team embarks on its 2021 campaign Wednesday as it travels to Ithaca College for a non-conference matchup.  Game time is scheduled for 5 p.m.
 
LAST SEASON RECAP: Utica's condensed 2020 season consisted of five games, including postseason play. The Pioneers made their third Empire 8 Tournament appearance in the last four years, losing to Nazareth College in the first round. 
 
A LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE: UC's 2021 schedule features nine non-conference games and eight contests against Empire 8 Conference opponents. New this year is a match up with Medaille College, in its inaugural season.  Five of the Pioneers' non-conference opponents compete in the SUNYAC, while three are from the Liberty League.  Medaille will become a familiar foe as the Mavericks are joining the Empire 8 Conference in 2022.  Eight of Utica's games will be at the friendly confines of Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. 
 
VETERAN EXPERIENCE: The Pioneers have 11 players who are juniors or above, including four graduate students. The top three scorers from 2019 are all back including Sabrina Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) and Sydney Scaccia (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) who each totaled 24 points two years ago.  Also returning for her senior season is Madeline Krecidlo (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) who notched six goals and one assist in 2019.  Additionally, graduate students Taylor Oliver (Holland Patent, NY/Holland Patent) and Jeslyn Files (Weedsport, NY/Weedsport) as well as seniors Megan Chamberlain (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury), Lexi Scaccia (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro), Madeline Krecidlo (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro), and Kennedy Guy (Glens Falls, NY/Glens Falls) will all provide leadership and a veteran presence on the field. 
 
SUPPORTING CAST: Juniors Chloe Williams (Holland Patent, NY/Holland Patent), Shannon Jedreicich (Deer Park, NY/Half Hollow Hills East), and Jenna Carbone (Gloversville, NY/Gloversville) will also provide depth for the Pioneers.  Jedreicich and Carbone are entering their third years on the team, while Williams got her first taste of collegiate play last season.  Sophomores Madison Ranalli (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) and Emily Frank (Johnstown, NY/Johnstown) will also be looked to as each of them played all five games as freshmen. 
 
FRESH FACES: The Pioneers welcome three newcomers to the 2021 squad.  Goalie Lyla Cushman (Holland Patent, NY/Holland Patent) will battle Chamberlain for time in net, while Mackenzie Mix (Camden, NY/Camden) is expected to help out on the offensive end.  Sophomore Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington) will also add depth to the midfield after she had an impactful 2020 season with the UC women's lacrosse team.
 
LOOKING AHEAD: Following Wednesday's game, the Pioneers will take on New Paltz and Oneonta in the St. Lawrence Invitational this weekend.  Utica will face New Paltz on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence, before traveling to Oneonta on Sunday to face the Red Dragons (1 p.m.)