UTICA, NY - The No. 9 Utica University women's hockey team fell 2-1 to Nazareth University in a closely contested matchup on Saturday afternoon.
 
Carolyn Whitney (Raleigh, NC/Millbrook School) led the way for Utica with the team's only goal. Erica Sloan (Potsdam, NY/St. Lawrence Steel) and Maggie Rylott (Cobourg, Ontario/West Northumberland) were each credited with an assist.
 
Goalkeeper Maddie Esposito (Ashburn, VA/Boston Shamrocks) turned away some prime scoring chances for Nazareth, racking up 17 saves in the losing effort.
 
Autumn Mish (Long Lake, NY/University of New Hampshire (NCAA DI)) led Utica with six shots, while Erica Sheaffer (New Hartford, NY/Wilkes University) led Utica in faceoff wins going 8-for-14.
 
Utica came out firing in the first period, putting immense pressure on Golden Flyer goaltender Mckinley Hoff. The Pioneers struck first as Rylott and Sloan connected with Whitney to put Utica up 1-0 6:50 into the period. Utica held Nazareth to only four shots in the first compared to its 11. Nazareth's only penalty on the afternoon came in the first period with 10:47 left as Allie Zack was penalized for hooking.
 
Utica would remain on top 1-0 heading into the second period.
 
The second period turned out to be the complete opposite of the first period as Utica recorded four shots compared to Nazareths' seven. Ella Cedrone scored the first Golden Flyer goal with assists credited to Abby Flanagan and Sophia Nortz at the 13 minute mark. Utica made some great plays but could not connect as Nazareth grabbed the second period's only goal as the game entered the third period nodded up at 1-1.
 
Both sides played a contested third period, with 13 shots let off before the third period's first goal. Nazareth connected again at the seven minute mark with a goal credited to Meredith Boettcher, while Makenna Wilijanen grabbed the assist, putting the Golden Flyers up 2-1. There were four shots let off between both squads in the last seven minutes, but Nazareth held on to top the Pioneers 2-1.
 
Utica (14-3-2, 10-2-2 UCHC) stays home for two UCHC matchups against Chatham University on February 2 and 3. Friday's puck drop is set for 7 p.m. followed by a 2 p.m. start on Saturday. Both games are held at the Utica University Nexus Center.