Box Score FREDONIA, NY - The Utica University women's soccer team dropped their first match of the season to the Oswego State Lakers on Friday afternoon, 1-0. 
 
Utica was outshot 12-7 as well as 8-1 on goal over the game. Courtney Connolly (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) made a game-high seven saves in the losing effort. Noella Burlette (Manchester, CT/Manchester) recorded the Pioneers' lone shot on goal and finished tied for a team-high two shots with teammates Rory Richard (Barneveld, NY/Holland Patent) and Rylee Lamphere (Little Falls, NY/Dolgeville). 
 
In the first half, Utica's offense was able to get off six shots compared to Oswego's seven. Defensively, goalkeeper Courtney Connolly (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) recorded four saves on seven shots faced. Rory Richard (Barneveld, NY/Holland Patent) and Rylee Lamphere (Little Falls, NY/Dolgeville) had two shots while Noella Burlette (Manchester, CT/Manchester) and Jazmyn Gillette (Mohawk, NY/Central Valley Academy) tallied 
one. 
 
Oswego State controlled the tempo through the first half of play. The Lakers struck first in the 27th minute with an unassisted goal from Gabriella Martinez to put the Lakers up 1-0. Despite drawing three corners compared to Oswego's zero, Utica couldn't capitalize on the opportunities as the team went into halftime trailing by one.  
 
Goalkeeper Courtney Connolly (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) was a difference maker in the last 45 minutes of the match on the defensive end with a clean sheet thanks to three saves on five shots faced. However, the Pioneers were held to just one shot in the second half as the Lakers held on for the one-goal victory. 
 
Utica (2-1, 0-0 Empire 8) will have a quick turnaround as it faces host-team Fredonia in the Blue Devil Clarion Classic at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.