BROCKPORT, NY - The Utica University field hockey team traveled down the thruway on Saturday to fight for its playoff life against SUNY Brockport. In one of the most even matchups of this 25th anniversary season, the Pioneers outplayed the opposition, but couldn't find a breakthrough goal as they fell on the road by a tight score of 2-1.

The orange and blue outshot their Western New York rival by a tally of 13-12, also landing 10 shots on goal compared to just eight by the Golden Eagles. In addition, Utica earned one more penalty corner than the hosts, taking an edge in that category by a 5-4 margin. 

The Pioneers' only goal of the contest came shortly after Brockport opened scoring. Deanna Jackson (Weedsport, NY/Weedsport) responded to a 10th-minute Golden Eagle goal by sending the ball into the back of the Brockport cage in the 18th minute to equalize the matchup at 1-1. Jackson corralled a Samantha Young (Jordanville, NY/Little Falls) shot during the score, as the latter player gained the only assist for Utica.

A failed clearance in the circle would allow Brockport to score in the third quarter, taking a 2-1 lead with only 21 minutes remaining. The Pioneers would get two good attempts in the fourth quarter, but couldn't strike again as time expired. 

Keeley Savona (Kingston, NY/Kingston) would lead the team in shots, getting off four attempts from a defensive position, with all four of those shots going on frame. 

Ismiah ChinQuee (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) would also stop six shots in net, halting numerous Brockport attacks and preventing them from maintaining any significant momentum. 

The Pioneers will return to play next Wednesday when they face Russell Sage in the regular season finale. That game begins at 6:00 PM over at the University of Albany.