UTICA, NY- The Utica College women's soccer team earned a thrilling 2-1 win over Empire 8 Conference foe Houghton College in the opening weekend of league play on Saturday.  Seniors Jacinta Kaminski (Holland Patent, NY/Holland Patent) and Ro Hernandez (Carmel, NY/Kennedy Catholic) each had a goal and an assist to lead UC.
 
After a scoreless first half, Houghton broke the deadlock in the 49^th minute when Moriah Steffen converted a penalty kick for her third of the season.
 
The Pioneers responded just two minutes later when Hernandez fired a long blast into the top of the net for her team-leading fifth goal of the year.  Kaminski was credited with an assist on the equalizer.
 
Then, with just 7:46 remaining, Hernandez fired a shot that hit the post, but the rebound bounced right to Kaminski who guided the ball into the open net for her second of the season.
 
Sophomore Courtney Connolly (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) made six saves in the win, while Megan Merrifield had seven saves as she shouldered the loss.
 
The Pioneers (4-1, 1-0 Empire 8) return to action Wednesday as they travel to SUNY Poly.  Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.