UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's soccer team beat the Hartwick College Hawks 1-0 late Saturday afternoon. The win solidified the team's spot in the Empire 8 postseason as Utica locked up the four seed with today's win.
 
The first half featured plenty of shots as the team's combined for 13 shots. Utica pushed the pace as Julianna Beaulieu registered a shot just 2 minutes into the game. Both teams continued to push the pace and fire off shots trying to break the tie. Beaulieu was the focal point of the offense as she recorded three shots and substitute Rory Richard recorded two shots after being subbed on in the 33rd minute.
 
Hartwick opened the second half aggressively as the Hawks recorded a free kick and a shot within the first five minutes of the second half. The Pioneer offense continued to rip shots as Rylee Lamphere missed the net just high. Rory Richard had her attempt saved before Utica would regain possession a few moments later and Jacinta Kaminski (Holland Patent, NY/Holland Patent) found the back of the net in the 70th minute to give the Pioneers a 1-0 edge. The Hawks would keep fighting and fired four shots after the goal, yet the Utica defense held strong, and the team won the match 1-0.
 
The Utica offense was firing all day as the team fired 15 shots and Beaulieu and Richard led the team with three shots. The Pioneers were able to create plenty of opportunities and Kaminki's goal was the result of the team's aggressive playstyle. In net, Courtney Connolly (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) recorded four saves and recorded her sixth shutout of the season.
 
Utica (6-7-4, 4-2-3 Empire 8) will begin Empire 8 postseason play as the team hosts fifth seeded Hartwick on Tuesday at 7 p.m.