UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's lacrosse team defeated the SUNY Oneonta Red Dragons, 15-5 on Thursday evening. Utica is currently on a five-game winning streak and has played phenomenal defense, holding its opponents to five goals in two consecutive games. The team has scored at least eight goals in the first quarter in three out of four games played.
 
Grace Stuhlman (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) led all scorers with five goals while also collecting seven shots on goal, three ground balls and seven draw controls. This is her second consecutive game, scoring five points. Maria Stuhlman (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) was right behind with three goals, one assist and three ground balls and Samantha DeCondo (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) posted two goals, one assist and five ground balls. Bella Kolb (New Hartford, NY/New Hartford) recorded one goal and one assist. Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington), Alyssa Drell (Mastic, NY/William Floyd), Aana Blaszka (Hampstead, NH/Pinkerton Academy) and Jordan Kowalski (Chicopee, MA/Plattsburgh State (NCAA DIII)) registered one goal each.
 
Makayla Purdy (Shirley, NY/William Floyd) collected her fifth consecutive win while holding Oneonta to five goals on 18 shots. Purdy made 13 saves and let up only three goals through the first three quarters.
 
Utica scored three goals in the first six minutes of action. Grace Stuhlman (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro), Maria Stuhlman (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) and DeCondo gave Utica an early 3-0 lead with 8:27 to play in the first quarter. Oneonta scored its first goal at the 5:49 mark cutting the lead to 3-1.
 
Utica's defense made some great plays toward the end of the first quarter, pushing transition and scoring goals. Blaszka recorded her first goal of the season while clearing the ball up-field and only 15 seconds later, Pisano gave Utica a 5-1 advantage to close out the first.
 
The Pioneers scored five goals in the second quarter along with Purdy making five saves. Utica outshot Oneonta 14 to 10 in the first half. The team would head into halftime up 10-2.
 
Utica would score five goals in the second half, as they would go on to win in dominant fashion, 15-5.
 
Utica (5-2, 0-0 Empire 8) hosts SUNY Morrisville on Monday, March 25 at 4 p.m.