ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Utica University field hockey team topped the Elmira College Soaring Eagles 8-0 in its final Empire 8 Conference matchup of the regular season on the road Saturday afternoon. 
 
Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington) was fantastic with two goals and two assists to lead the team in points. Shannon Jedreicich (Deer Park, NY/Half Hollow Hills East) and Riley Cosimeno (Sherrill, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) also turned in strong performances, each tallying two goals on the afternoon. Makayla Arnold (Marcy, NY/Whitesboro) and Alanna Fragapane (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) each netted one goal and played crucial parts of the team's offense. In the cage, Hannah Young (Jordanville, NY/Little Falls) was flawless picking up a shutout win and making two saves on the afternoon.
 
The Pioneer offense hit the ground running in the first quarter, blowing the team's season average in shots per game (12.3) out of the water, recording 20 shots in the opening frame. Less than a minute into the quarter Utica would gain the offensive advantage with a trio of penalty corners, but would not be able to capitalize on the opportunity. After continuing the offensive onslaught, it would be Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington) that would put the Pioneers on the board with just over three minutes remaining in the quarter. Utica would go on to end the quarter up 1-0. 
 
The second frame would once again prove the Pioneers offensive strength over the Soaring Eagles. Less than 30 seconds into the quarter, Shannon Jedreichich would rifle one past Elmira goalkeeper MeganRae Burke for what would be her first of two goals (8:09) in the frame. Two minutes later, Utica would be able to capitalize on a penalty corner and allow Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington) to find the back of the cage for her second goal of the afternoon. After recording another nine shots on goal through the remainder of the frame, sophomore Riley Cosimeno (Sherrill, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) would find the back of the cage with just over 40 seconds left to send the Pioneers to the locker room up 5-0 at the half. 
 
The third frame would prove to be a quiet one compared to the opening half of action for the Pioneers. Porter Russ (Verona, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill), Riley Cosimeno (Sherrill, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill), Mackenzie Mix (Camden, NY/Camden), Jocelyn Spiezio (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich), Madison Ranalli (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse), and Makayla Arnold (Marcy, NY/Whitesboro) would each record a shot on goal in the frame, but none would be able to capitalize on their offensive efforts. 
 
In the final quarter, Utica tacked on a trio of goals, one by Arnold (46:29), Cosimeno (47:46), and Fragapane (59:34) to extend its commanding lead. The Pioneers played another strong quarter controlling possession for the majority of it while allowing just one shot by Elmira to close out its strong 8-0 win.
 
Utica (6-10, 4-3 Empire 8) will host an opponent to be determined in the Empire 8 Postseason Tournament on Monday, October 30 at 4 p.m.