UTICA, NY - The Utica University field hockey team fell 3-1 to the St. John University Cardinals in the regular season finale on Saturday night. With the loss, the Pioneers will enter the Empire 8 Conference as the four-seed.
The Cardinals jumped on the board first in what was a rematch of the 2021 Empire 8 Championship between the teams. About 14 seconds removed from a penalty corner, Fisher broke down the Utica defense and found the back of the cage for a 1-0 edge. Although Utica was outshot by Fisher 4-1 over the first 15 minutes, the score remained 1-0 after one quarter.
Throughout the second quarter, Utica controlled its offensive end with a pair of shots on goal by
Alanna Fragapane (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) and later, another by
Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington). However, Fisher goalkeeper Sophia Trozzi kept the game in check as the visitors went into halftime ahead 1-0.
In the 42nd minute, the Cardinals extended their lead to 2-0 when Molly Fisher poked one in off of a Utica defender deflection. However,
Mackenzie Mix (Camden, NY/Camden) responded nearly five minutes into the fourth quarter. Mix fired off a shot from outside the arc that tipped off of a body and trickled its way in. After a referee discussion the goal stood as the Pioneers were within striking distance at 2-1.
Although Utica threatened a couple times following Mix's 11th goal of the year, Fisher produced the dagger in the 58th minute off another penalty corner to secure the three-seed in the E8 Tournament.
Fragapane led Utica with three shots as well as with two on goal while Pisano totaled two scoring looks. On defense,
Madison Ranalli (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) extended her national ranking and single season program record with three defensive saves to give her 14 on the year.
Jenna Carbone (Gloversville, NY/Gloversville) also recorded one defensive save. In goal,
Lyla Cushman (Holland Patent, NY/Holland Patent) made one save.
Utica (7-9, 6-3 Empire 8) will host fifth-seeded Washington & Jefferson College in the Empire 8 Conference Tournament First Round on Wednesday, November 2 from Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. Game time is TBD.