UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's lacrosse team mounted a thrilling comeback to defeat Hartwick College 15-13 on Wednesday afternoon. Grace Stuhlman (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) recorded her 100th career goal and became just the 12th player in program history to do so.
 
It was a balanced attack for the Pioneers with seven players churning in a multi-point outing. G. Stuhlman led the way with four goals and two assists while Maria Stuhlman (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) was facilitating all game with four assists and one goal. Samantha DeCondo (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) tallied three goals while Alyssa Pisano (Hopewell Junction, NY/Arlington) and Alyssa Drell (Mastic, NY/William Floyd) each added a pair. Jordan Kowalski (Chicopee, MA/Plattsburgh State (NCAA DIII)) and Kerry Carr (New Hartford, NY/Manhattanville College) each had one goal and one assist with Abigail Gerling (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) adding one goal.
 
Makayla Purdy (Shirley, NY/William Floyd) got the win in goal making nine saves while allowing 13 goals.
 
The Pioneers wasted no time getting its offense rolling with Decondo and Drell each scoring early to give the team a commanding 2-0 lead at the 13:49 mark of the first quarter. Yet, Hartwick made key adjustments to open an eight-goal run and hold an 8-2 advantage with 14:24 remaining in the second quarter.
 
Yet, Utica was resilient and its offense came through scoring four straight goals to cut the lead to 8-6 with 4:19 left in the first half. Both Stuhlman's Decondo, and Pisano each scored a goal during the spurt and the team trailed by two at the half.
 
The Hawks scored first in the second half, yet Utica gained momentum with a trio of goals to knot the score at 9-9 with 7:29 remaining in the third quarter. But Hartwick quickly responded, scoring three-straight goals to claim a 12-9 edge going into the final quarter of play.
 
DeCondo and G. Stuhlman each scored quickly to begin the fourth and Utica trailed just 12-11 with 12:22 to play. The Hawks tacked on another goal, yet Utica caught fire scoring four-straight goals to close the game out with a commanding 15-13 comeback win.
 
Utica (11-3, 3-1 Empire 8) will remain home and host Russell Sage College on Wednesday, April 24 at 4 p.m. in the Mike Parnell game.