UTICA, NY - The Utica University field hockey team prepares for a two-game week hosting SUNY Brockport on Wednesday, September 13 at 4 p.m. before hitting the road to face Keystone College on Saturday, September 16 at 6 p.m.
 
Follow Along:  Those unable to attend Wednesday's home match can tune in for live video and/or stats here. Keystone will provide live video through https://www.youtube.com/c/KeystoneCollegeAthletics and live stats at https://www.gokcgiants.com/sidearmstats/fhockey/summary.
 
Last Time Out: The team earned its first win of the season last Saturday evening after taking down Morrisville State on the road 9-0. Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington) dazzled with a four-goal outing while Mackenzie Mix (Camden, NY/Camden) netted her two tallies on six looks on goal. Shannon Jedreicich (Deer Park, NY/Half Hollow Hills East) broke out for a six point performance on the back on two goals and a pair of assists. Ruby Mehan (Schuylerville, NY/Schuylerville) also went on to record her first collegiate goal. As a unit, the Pioneers outshot the Mustangs 45-3 as well as 29-2 on goal. Utica also drew 21 penalty corners to Morrisville's two - both of which came in the first quarter. In cage, Desirae Baumann (Accord, NY/Rondout Valley) notched her first collegiate victory in shutout fashion with a pair of saves. The Pioneers got off to a red-hot start with a pair of goals within the first four minutes. Mix netted her first of the night at the 1:33 mark thanks to a nice dish by Alanna Fragapane (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy). Less than two minutes later, Pisano scored her first of the night by way of a tip-in with the assist going to Jedreicich. The real fireworks came in the second quarter as the team put up five goals. Jedreicich and Mix each scored twice within the first seven minutes of the fresh frame while Pisano closed out the half with her second of the game. Towards the end of the third, Jedreicich assisted Mehan for her first career goal before Pisano completed the hat-trick midway through the fourth to put the final stamp on the Utica win.
 
A Week of Accolades: Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington) was named the Empire 8 Co-Offensive Player of the Week in large part to a monster outing at Morrisville. There, Pisano recorded four goals on six shots on goal over just 28 minutes of play. Over two games last week, the senior's four goals came on eight total shots on goal for a 50 percent scoring rate. On the season she has tallied five goals for 10 total points which both rank second in the conference. After leading the Pioneers in scoring last season, Pisano is off to another strong start in the 2023 campaign and will look to keep it going this week.
 
Here to Protect: The Pioneers defense has been on a new level this season. They currently lead the nation in defensive saves with 12 which not only leads all of Division III, but also ranks atop Divisions I and II. This strong defensive front is led by senior Madison Ranalli (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) who is quite familiar with stopping goals. Ranalli set a single season program and Empire 8 record with 15 defensive saves last season which led NCAA Divisions I-III. Thus far, she has totaled four defensive saves which marks her third in NCAA Division III at the moment. Freshman Nicole Servider (Westbury, NY/W.T. Clarke) and Ryleigh Johnson (Camden, NY/Camden) have stepped right in and made a huge impact as well. Servider has three defensive saves which places her tied for fourth in the nation while Johnson has accumulated two, placing her tied for 12th amongst NCAA DIII. 
 
One Under the belt: Desirae Baumann (Accord, NY/Rondout Valley) had a solid week in cage for Utica in what was a 1-1 week. Over her two starts, Baumann averaged four saves and 2.5 goals per contest. Her biggest game came on Saturday against Morrisville in which she earned her first collegiate win in shutout fashion. In the win, Baumann made two saves while playing the full 60 minutes for the first time this year. 
 
About Brockport: The Golden Eagles are 4-0 thus far in the 2023 season. Brockport has handled opponents fairly easy through their first four contests, outscoring opponents a combined 15-4 while outshooting them 80-23. Graduate student and last season's leading scorer, Bailey Lazore is back this year to lead the charge for Brockport. Along with Lazore is a trio of junior forwards. Emmalee Moore leads the Golden Eagles with nine points thus far, Quinn Guy, and Paige Thowe have eight points a piece. In net, Ella Buchanan is 4-0 with an .800 save percentage. 
 
Scouting Keystone: The Giants began the season strong with two shutout victories over Keuka and King's College. In the two victories they doubled their opponents in shots and have had strong play for a duo of goalkeepers. Hannah Osbahr, and Casey Stratton have both been tremendous with no goals allowed and a combined six saves. Senior's, Miranda Mascia and Vicky Mainero have paced the offense so far with two goals apiece. 

Up Next: The team will return home to host St. Lawrence on Tuesday September 19 at 6 p.m.