POTSDAM, NY - The Utica University women's soccer team fell on the road to the SUNY Potsdam Bears in a back-and-forth battle on Tuesday night, 3-2. 
 
Ro Hernandez (Carmel, NY/Kennedy Catholic) put the Pioneers ahead early in the game with a goal late in the 5th minute. Hernandez's third goal of the season came on the first shot attempt of the game by either side. Utica controlled the first half offensively, out-shooting Potsdam 7-4 as well as 7-0 on goal as the visitors held on to take a 1-0 lead into halftime. 
 
The Bears responded in the sixth minute of the second half to even the game at one before taking control with an 83rd minute tally for a 2-1 lead late in the game. However, the Pioneers struck back nearly five minutes later. Julianna Beaulieu (Chicopee,MA/Chicopee Comprehensive) connected with Gabriela Daumont (Latham, NY/Shaker) for her first goal of the season that tied the game at two. 
 
While the game seemed destined for a draw, Potsdam converted for an 89th minute goal by Emma Wilson, her second of the contest, to take a 3-2 lead. The score turned out to be the deciding factor as the Pioneers fell to the Bears, 3-2. 
 
Potsdam out-shot the Pioneers 14-12 while Utica held the advantage in shots on goal, 11-6. Kaela Mochak (Westfield, MA/Westfield) and Hernandez led the team with three shots each while Jacinta Kaminski (Holland Patent, NY/Holland Patent) and Rory Richard (Barneveld, NY/Holland Patent ) shot two each. Courtney Connolly (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) recorded three saves in goal for Utica. 
 
Utica (1-3-1, 0-0 Empire 8) will return home at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 18 when the team hosts Hamilton College from Pioneer Field.