UTICA, NY- The Utica College field hockey team returns home for a pair of games this week. On Tuesday it hosts St. Lawrence University for a non-conference clash at 4 p.m.  The Pioneers will then welcome Empire 8 foe Russell Sage on Saturday at 5 p.m.
 
LAST TIME OUT: The Pioneers are coming off a 6-2 win at Keuka on Friday… The game was highlighted by a nine-point performance by Sabrina Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich), who scored four goals and added one assist… Nine points in a single game is a new program record… Sydney Scaccia (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) netted the first goal and freshman Mackenzie Mix (Camden, NY/Camden) scored her first collegiate goal on a tip in off a penalty corner… Senior Megan Chamberlain (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury) made two saves in net.
 
FINDING THEIR RYTHYM: After dropping the first three games of the year, Utica has rebounded to win its last three, two of which were Empire 8 Conference games… Utica is currently averaging 3.50 goals per game.
 
WHITEHOUSE GARNERS E8 HONORS: After her record-breaking performance, Sabrina Whitehouse (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) was named the Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week… Whitehouse also added a goal in UC's win over Brockport on Wednesday… Whitehouse now ranks eighth all-time with 75 career points… She is also seventh in the College's record books with 27 career goals.
 
TOP THAT: Utica has three players currently ranked in the top-five for scoring in the conference… Whitehouse leads the E8 with six goals, followed by Madeline Krecidlo (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) who is tied for second with five goals… Shannon Jedreicich (Deer Park, NY/Half Hollow Hills East) is fifth with four goals so far… Whitehouse is also first in the E8 in points (14) and game-winning goals (two)… Jeslyn Files (Weedsport, NY/Weedsport) and Sydney Scaccia (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) are tied for third in the conference with four assists on the year.
 
SCOUTING SLU: The Saints are currently 4-2 on the season and they are coming off a 4-1 loss to Hamilton on Thursday… St. Lawrence is led by junior Mckenzie Haberl, who has a team-high five goals and 13 points… Freshman Cara Vredenburg has compiled a .707 save percentage and 2.29 goals against average… The Pioneers are 7-4 against St. Lawrence all-time… Utica came away with a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against St. Lawrence in their last meeting in 2019, overcoming a 3-0 deficit in the first half… Sydney Scaccia (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) and Madeline Krecidlo (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) each had one goal and Megan Chamberlain (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury) made nine saves. 
 
SCOUTING SAGE: The Gators are 1-4 are they are coming off a 10-0 loss to Brockport on Saturday… This is just the third season of competition for Sage, which did not participate in the 2021 spring season due to COVID 19… Utica is 2-0 in previous meetings against the Gators, the most recent of which was a 4-0 win at home in 2019.
 
LOOKING AHEAD: Following Saturday's game, Utica remains home next Wednesday as it hosts Oswego State… Game time is 7 p.m.