UTICA, NY - The Utica University field hockey team prepares for a two-game week hosting Skidmore College on Tuesday, September 5 at 6 p.m. before hitting the road to face Morrisville State on Saturday, September 9 at 6 p.m.
 
Follow Along: Those unable to attend Tuesday's home match can tune in for live video and/or stats here. Morrisville will provide live video here. 
 
Last Time Out: The team was defeated by the SUNY New Paltz Hawks on Saturday evening, 7-0. Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington) and Madison Ranalli (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) led Utica with two shots each while Ranalli, Mackenzie Mix (Camden, NY/Camden), Alanna Fragapane (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) and Ruby Mehan (Schuylerville, NY/Schuylerville) fired one each on goal. As a team, the Pioneers totaled seven defensive saves with Nicole Servider (Westbury, NY/W.T. Clarke) leading the way with three followed by Ryleigh Johnson (Camden, NY/Camden) with two and one each by Christina Jackson (Weedsport, NY/Weedsport) and Dakota Alexander (Medina, NY/Medina). In the cage, Hannah Young (Jordanville, NY/Little Falls) and Desirae Baumann (Accord, NY/Rondout Valley) split time with Young totaling 12 saves and two goals allowed and Baumann stopping seven shots and allowing five tallies. The Hawks jumped out to a 4-0 cushion over the first 15 minutes of play after totaling 11 shots through the first. The Pioneers settled in defensively in the second allowing just one goal while the offense had four looks on net. However, Utica couldn't get one past New Paltz goalies Gail Comiskey and Madison Orsini as the game moved into halftime with the Pioneers trailing 5-0. Despite allowing 28 shots to New Paltz in the second half, the Utica defense and goalie Hannah Young (Jordanville, NY/Little Falls) allowed just two goals over the final 30 minutes. However, New Paltz remained stout on its own defensive end and kept the Pioneers off the board to claim the shutout win.
 
Spreading the Wealth: The Pioneers moved the ball around well ensuring everyone gets a touch with ten players already registering a shot this season. Shannon Jedreicich (Deer Park, NY/Half Hollow Hills East) leads the way with four shots including three on goal while Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington) has three shots this season including the team's lone goal. Riley Cosimeno (Sherrill, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) and Madison Ranalli (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) have also registered three shots so far and have been crucial in setting up the team's offense.
 
D-Fence: Utica has been laying it all on the line defensively with eight defensive saves through two games which is tied for second in NCAA Division III. The freshman duo of Nicole Servider (Westbury, NY/W.T. Clarke) and Ryleigh Johnson (Camden, NY/Camden) have had terrific starts to their collegiate careers and have already cemented themselves as crucial defenders. Servider ranks third in NCAA Division III with four defensive saves while Johnson ranks sixth with two thus far. Dakota Alexander (Medina, NY/Medina) and Christina Jackson (Weedsport, NY/Weedsport) have also been performing well on the defensive end, each recording one.
 
Let's Run That Back: Come Saturday, the Pioneers will look to remain undefeated against Morrisville as the program is 3-0 all-time against the Mustangs. The team had a convincing 4-0 win last season on September 9 and will look to recreate that success this time around. During that matchup Alanna Fragapane (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) led the way with two goals while Mackenzie Mix (Camden, NY/Camden) and Alanna Fragapane (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) each scored once. All four return this year and Utica looks to lean on them again for another victory. 
 
Scouting Skidmore: The Thoroughbreds are 1-0 in the new campaign after topping Thomas College 4-1 this past Saturday. The team dominated outshooting their opponent 28 to 6 including earning 12 penalty corners to seven. Beth Yorns leads the team with five points on two goals and one assist while registering six shots. Abby Ezickson and Kayla Hassett each have one goal while Mia Angwin and Anna D'Amore have each recorded one assist. The defense has been fantastic for Skidmore, limiting the amount of shots the opponent can have reach the net. In net, Victoria Bodnar is 1-0 with a .667 save percentage and just one goal allowed.  
 
Looking at Morrisville: The Mustangs fell in their home opener to Wittenberg University 7-0 on Sunday, September 3. The team struggled to get its offense going, getting outshot by its opponents 34 to 4. Players to look out for include Rita Dziedzic, Casey McLauglin, Emma Plett, and Jenna Wilber who each played key roles for the Mustangs last year and will be key performers in the new campaign. In net, Jenna Gutierrez held her own in her collegiate debut with a .682 save percentage, and 15 saves with seven goals allowed.

Up Next: The team will return home to host SUNY Brockport on Wednesday, September 13 at 4 p.m.