NORTHFIELD, VT - The Utica University women's ice hockey team opened preseason play on Saturday with an exhibition at Norwich University. In a matchup of two of the nation's strongest returning teams, the host Cadets scored the first five goals of the game and sustained an advantage to the finish as they topped the Pioneers by a 6-1 margin at Kreitzberg Arena.

The Pioneers scored their lone goal of the matchup with 6:23 left in the second period. Maggie Rylott (Cobourg, Ontario/West Northumberland) connected a shot with the back of the net to cut the score to 5-1. The Cadets added an insurance goal in the third to win by a 6-1 score.

The Pioneers will play the second leg of preseason play on Friday, October 20th as they host SUNY Canton. The matchup begins at 7 p.m. at the Utica University Nexus Center.