ITHACA, NY - The Utica College field hockey team opened its 20th anniversary season on Wednesday. The Pioneers jumped out to a 1-0 lead on the road, but host Ithaca College responded with a pair of goals in the second half to claim a 2-1 non-conference win over the Pioneers at Ithaca's Higgins Stadium.

The Pioneers fall to 0-1 to start the season, while the Bombers improve to 1-0.

Shots were 13-12 overall in favor of the Bombers, and the Pioneers were also at a 12-6 disadvantage in penalty corners in the one goal loss.

Sabrina Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) scored the lone Pioneer goal and piled up seven shots, six of which landed on goal. Lexi Scaccia (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) notched an assist, while Jeslyn Files (Weedsport, NY/Weedsport) added another three shots. Megan Chamberlain (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury) turned in a seven save performance in goal.

After a scoreless first quarter, Whitehouse put the Pioneers on the board in the second frame. 5:47 into the quarter, Scaccia launched a brilliant pass out of the midfield on target for Whitehouse. Whitehouse dodged Ithaca keeper Macy Brandwein and canned the ensuing shot to put the Pioneers in front through halftime.

The second half tilted the way of the hosts with a goal in the first minute, and the last. Just 57 seconds into the second half, Ithaca's Jacqueline Mirabile pulled the Bombers even. The 1-1 deadlock held until the last minute, when Samantha Horowitz landed the game-winning goal.

The Pioneers will get their next chance at the win column this weekend, as they renew their traditional early season tournament with St. Lawrence, New Paltz, and Oneonta. This year's tournament is hosted by St. Lawrence. The Pioneers will battle New Paltz on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., and Oneonta on Sunday at 3 p.m.