UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's soccer team fell to Alfred University in a heartbreaking 3-2 shootout loss in the Empire 8 Postseason Tournament on Saturday afternoon.
 
Utica dominated for the majority of the match with the ball in the attacking zone and created plenty of opportunities yet could not convert. The Pioneers had 18 shots to Alfred's 10, while the Saxons had six corner kicks to Utica's five. In net for Alfred Kiani Barnard-Pratt was phenomenal making 13 saves and denied an array of Utica shots.
 
Julianna Beaulieu (Southwick, MA/Chicopee Comprehensive) led the team with four shots while Rylee Lamphere (Little Falls, NY/Dolgeville) and Mikayla Kelly were also prime contributors, each racking up three shots. In net, Courtney Connolly (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) made five saves and played well forcing the game into a shootout.
 
It was a quiet first half with Utica leading the shot battle five to three. The Pioneers had a few strong chances including an early chance by Kelly that hit the crossbar at the 8:41 mark. Utica kept its pressure on controlling the ball for the majority of the first half, yet the score remained 0-0 going into the half.
 
The second half was much more aggressive with Utica outshooting Alfred 10 to four. The Pioneers had a handful of strong scoring opportunities yet were denied the strong Saxons defense and goalkeeper play. Kayla Giovingo (Centereach, NY/Centereach) and Lamphere each recorded shots with time winding down, yet the match remained 0-0 heading into overtime.
 
The two overtime halves were quiet with just three shots for each team yet neither could break the scoreless tie and thus forced the looming shootout. Each goaltender made a fine save in the shootout, yet Alfred would prevail and win 3-2 and advance to the next round of the Empire 8 Postseason Tournament.