UTICA, NY- The Utica College women's hockey team picked up its fifth conference sweep of the season Saturday as it downed visiting Chatham University 5-0 Saturday afternoon.
 
With the win, Utica improves to 13-2 on the year and remains undefeated in conference play with a 10-0 record in the UCHC.  The Pioneers have now won seven straight and 13 of their last 14. UC will hit the road next weekend as it travels to Manhattanville College for a weekend set.  Friday's game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.
 
After a scoreless first period, Utica capitalized on a turnover in the Chatham zone just 1:33 into the period as Callie McLaughlin (Centerport, NY/New Hampton School) netted her first collegiate goal.  McLaughlin picked off a pass just inside the blue line and roofed a shot off the crossbar and in to put Utica on top.
 
Utica gave itself some wiggle room with a pair of goals just 2:41 apart to end the second stanza.  First, Hailey Modlin (Phoenix, AZ/Boston Shamrocks) put in a rebound in front for her fourth of the season.  Hannah Keating (North Andover, MA/HPNA) and Cortney Staniszewski (Buffalo, NY/Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles) picked up assists on the insurance tally.  Then at 17:20 Rebecca Brown (Steamboat Springs, CO/Norwich University) buried her seventh of the season off a broken play in front.  Molly Pedone (Trinity, FL/Robert Morris) and Ava Suda (Cheektowaga, NY/Buffalo Bisons) were credited with assists on the play.
 
The Cougars came out flying to open the third period, but sophomore goalie Angela Hawthorne (Santa Clara, CA/Meijer) was there to shut the door, including a point-blank glove save just one minute into the period.  Utica extended its lead at 13:54 of the final frame as Abby Lillis (West Seneca, NY/Buffalo Bisons) poked home a rebound to make it 4-0 in favor of the home team.  Alexa Carlon (Lakewood, NY/Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles) and Carolyn Whitney (Raleigh, NC/Milbrook School) were credited with assists on Lillis' third of the season.
 
The Pioneers capped off the day at 17:34 when Cortney Staniszewski (Buffalo, NY/Niagara Jr. Purple Eagles) put in a feed from Whitney and Madison Novotny (Wesley Chapel, FL/Northwood School). 
 
Hawthorne was lights out, finishing with 21 saves for her fourth shutout of the season.  Chatham's Katy Reed meanwhile turned aside 34 saves in the loss.