UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's soccer team tied St. John Fisher University 1-1 in its final match of the regular season.
 
It was a tight match with Fisher leading the shots battle 13 to 8 with Utica leading with 5 corners to 4. 
 
Cora Kraft (Poughquag, NY/Arlington) had the lone Utica goal at the 16:55 mark of the first half yet it proved to be a huge one as it helped the team earn the tie. Kaela Mochak (Westfield, MA/Westfield) led the team with three shots while Noella Burlette (Manchester, CT/Manchester), Rory Richard (Barneveld, NY/Holland Patent), Cora Kraft (Poughquag, NY/Arlington) and Olivia Bochniak (Barneveld, NY/Holland Patent) each had at least one.  
 
In goal Courtney Connolly (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) shined making six saves and allowing just one goal to help Utica secure the draw.
 
It was a very balanced first half with Fisher leading the shot battle 6 to 5. However, Utica made the most of its shots with four requiring a save from the Fisher goalie. Both teams were very aggressive, each totaling one corner kick and at least one offsides. The Cardinals struck first at the 4:23 mark capitalizing off an early corner kick to grab an early 1-0 lead. However, the Pioneers continued to push, and Cora Kraft (Poughquag, NY/Arlington) delivered the equalizer at the 16:55 mark to knot the score at 1-1. Each team had its chances, yet the match remained 1-1 heading into halftime. 
 
The second half featured Fisher outshooting Utica 7 to 3, yet the Pioneers defense remained stout. Connolly played excellent, recording four saves in the second half while the Utica offense pushed the pace with four corner kicks. Neither time could break through in the second half resulting in the match ending 1-1.
 
Utica (7-5-4, 3-1-4 Empire 8) will head to the Empire 8 Postseason Tournament and most likely host a match on Saturday, October 28 with the time and opponent to be determined.