UTICA, NY - The Utica University field hockey team looks to build off its terrific 6-0 win over Elmira this past weekend. The team hosts Ithaca College on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and then Keuka College on Saturday at 6 p.m.
 
Follow Along: Those unable to attend either of the games can tune in with live video and/or stats at https://bit.ly/2wtxUV5. 
 
Last Time Out: The team returned home with a convincing 6-0 win over the Elmira College Soaring Eagles. The Pioneers jumped out to a quick lead in the first minute after Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington) gathered a rebound off of a Shannon Jedreicich (Deer Park, NY/Half Hollow Hills East) shot and fired it into the back of the cage for her fifth goal of the year. It was one of 12 Utica shots in the quarter. The offense, while still attempting 24 shots total in the first half, lulled until just under six minutes to play before halftime. Much like Pisano, Riley Cosimeno (Sherrill, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) gathered a rebound and gave the Pioneers a 2-0 lead on what was her first collegiate tally. Mackenzie Mix (Camden, NY/Camden) also added a score on her fourth goal of the season as Utica entered the break ahead 3-0. The Pioneers led the shot totals 24-0. In the third, Mix added two more goals by way of a Pisano assist and a penalty stroke while Alanna Fragapane (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy ) capitalized on a feed from Jedreicich to help the team cruise away with a 6-0 win. Utica, for the second time this season, held a team shotless as it out-shot the Soaring Eagles 37-0. The team also drew 15 penalty corners to two for Elmira. 
 
If It Ain't Broke Don't Mix It: Mackenzie Mix (Camden, NY/Camden) has heated up her past few games as she has four goals over her last two games including a hat trick in the team's rout over Elmira on Saturday. She currently ranks tied for fourth in the Empire 8 in goals with six and her recent breakout games have more than doubled her points on the season. Mix now leads the team in points, goals, and is tied for assists.
 
Brick Wall: Utica's defense played lights-out on Saturday as the team did not allow Elmira to register a shot the entire game. This was the second time the team has accomplished this feat this season which has led Goalie Lyla Cushman (Holland Patent, NY/Holland Patent) to her second shutout win of the season.
 
First Team Scorer: Freshman Riley Cosimeno (Sherrill, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) had her first breakout game of the season as she was able to register eight shots, and her first collegiate goal. Cosimeno was able to put the ball in the net off of a rebound and the goal put the Pioneers up 2-0 over Elmira. The Sherrill native hopes to keep this momentum going and become another weapon for the Pioneer offense.

Scouting Ithaca: The Bombers are 7-2 this season and 2-0 in the Liberty League this season. In their last game on Saturday, the team was able to squeak out a 1-0 win over Vassar College to remain undefeated at home this season. The offense is led by Natalie Descalso and Morgan Mullen who have both eclipsed more than 10 points this season and four goals. In net, Macy Brandwein sports a .829 save percentage this season and 34 saves. Ithaca has a terrific goal differential as they have outscored opponents 24-8 and this has been a major reason for their success.
 
Looking at Keuka: The Wolves are 1-9 this season and 1-3 in Empire 8 play. On Saturday the team fell 6-1 against Hartwick. Keuka has a very balanced offensive attack as there are five players with six or more points this season. Makeala Mills is second in the Empire 8 with eight assists and Alexis Dodge is tenth with three. Both Linzie Michel and Jordan Nichols have seen time in the net, yet Nichols leads with 97 saves which is fourth in the Empire 8. The Wolves' struggles have come from their negative goal differential as they have been outscored by opponents 53-16.

Up Next: Utica will continue Empire 8 play and head to Rochester, NY to take on the Nazareth Golden Flyers on Saturday, October 15 at 1 p.m.