UTICA, NY - The Utica University Pioneers field hockey squad is set to begin a three-game homestand this week. On Tuesday, the team matches up against the St. Lawrence University Saints at 6 p.m. The Pioneers then open Empire 8 play against the Houghton University Highlanders on Saturday, September 23 at 5 p.m.
 
Follow Along: Those unable to attend either of this week's home games can tune in for live video and/or stats here.
 
Last Time Out: The team fell on the road to the Keystone College Giants 4-0 last Saturday evening. Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington) led the team with five shots while she and Shannon Jedreicich (Deer Park, NY/Half Hollow Hills East) each had a pair of looks on goal. For the game, Keystone outshot Utica 12-10 including 6-5 on goal. Hannah Young (Jordanville, NY/Little Falls) made her first career start in cage for the Pioneers and made two saves while allowing four goals in the losing effort. The teams turned in a scoreless first in which both sides had three shots. The Giants had two solid opportunities via penalty corners but couldn't cash in as the game moved into the second quarter. There, Keystone would go on to capitalize off a corner with a goal in the 18th minute. Utica was held without a scoring chance all second quarter as the game moved into the third with Keystone ahead 1-0. In the third, the Giants broke out for three goals, all of which coming within a 10 minute span, to break the game open to a 4-0 lead. While the Pioneers continued to have quality looks on cage, including six shots total in the fourth, the team couldn't break through before the final horn sounded. 
 
Where We Stand: The Pioneers are set to begin Empire 8 play on Saturday, September 23 against Houghton University at 5 p.m. The three non-conference games left on the team's schedule are against St. Lawrence University, Oswego State, and Union College. Utica's conference matches include Houghton University, St. John Fisher University, Russell Sage College, Nazareth University, Keuka College, Hartwick College, and Elmira College in that order with the Pioneers hosting Houghton, Sage, Nazareth, and Hartwick.
 
At the Forefront: The offensive duo of Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington) and Shannon Jedreicich (Deer Park, NY/Half Hollow Hills East) has been leading the way for the Pioneers. Last week against Brockport and Keystone, they combined for six shots on goal. Pisano ranks second in the Empire 8 with six goals and she is tied fourth in the conference with 21 shots averaging 3.67 per game. Jedreicich currently sits third in the Empire 8 with three assists and 16 shots on goal averaging 2.67 per game. 
 
Between the Pipes: The goalkeeping combo of Desirae Baumann (Accord, NY/Rondout Valley) and Hannah Young (Jordanville, NY/Little Falls) have both seen significant time in goal this season. Baumann has started all five games, allowing 19 goals for an average of 3.80 per game while also securing a .500 save percentage. Young has seen time in each game averaging a .667 save percentage. 
 
We've Seen You Before: St. Lawrence and Utica have played very competitive games over the years. Utica has won four out of six meetings dating back to 2012. Overall, the Pioneers are 7-6 all-time against the Saints. Against Houghton, the team is 9-2 overall however, the Highlanders have won two out of the last three matchups. 
 
About St. Lawrence: The Saints are 2-3 this season and beat Oswego State 2-0 in its last outing on Saturday, September 16. Maggie Spire leads the team with three goals while Mayson Blondek has two. Lily Gubbins and Caroline Hamilton each have at least two points this season and are more players to watch. Lucy Adiutori and Cara Vredenburg have split time in net with each playing in three games. Adiutori has made 31 saves this season with a .886 save percentage while allowing just four goals. Vredenburg sports a 1-1 record and has made 24 saves with a .800 save percentage and six goals allowed this season.
 
Scouting Houghton: The Highlanders are off to an impressive 5-1 start yet fell in its most recent match to Ohio Wesleyan University 3-0 on Saturday, September 16. The team will face Keuka College on Wednesday, September 20 before clashing with the Pioneers on Saturday, September 23. Houghton has the duo of Bekah Davie and Jace Hunzinger who are top-two in the Empire 8 combining for an unbelievable 30 points this season. Davie leads the charge with an Empire 8 leading eight goals while Jace Hunzinger has an incredible 10 assists which is six more than anyone else in the conference. Deborah Cross and Adria Hartzler are two more players to watch with each having eight points this season. Annika Galen has seen the bulk of time in goal and sports a 2-0 record with 13 saves, a .813 save percentage and three shutouts this season while allowing just three goals.

Up Next: The team will conclude its homestand against Oswego State on Wednesday, September 27 at 7 p.m.