UTICA, NY - The Utica University field hockey team fell in its first conference matchup of the season versus Houghton University by a score of 6-0 on Saturday evening.
 
Jocelyn Spiezio (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) recorded a season best, three shots with two of them falling on goal in the team's losing effort. Madison Ranalli (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) and Mackenzie Mix (Camden, NY/Camden) each recorded a shot, with Ranalli's effort falling on goal. Between the pipes, Hannah Young (Jordanville, NY/Little Falls) and Desirae Baumann (Accord, NY/Rondout Valley) combined for eight saves. Madison Ranalli (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) also recorded two defensive saves. 
 
The Houghton Highlanders opened the scoring less than two minutes into the first quarter. A trio of corners for Houghton would result in the Highlanders pulling away 2-0. Houghton would then go on to close out the first quarter with a 3-0 lead. The second quarter would cause another two goals for the Highlanders, with the Pioneers down 5-0 going into halftime. The second half was quiet for both sides, as the Highlanders would not score again until the waning minutes of the final quarter. 
 
Utica (1-7, 0-1 Empire 8) remains home to take on the Oswego State Lakers. Game time on Wednesday is set for 7 p.m.