KEUKA PARK, NY - The Utica University field hockey team traveled to Keuka on Saturday for an afternoon Empire 8 contest. Against their conference opposition, the Pioneers picked up their first Empire 8 victory, with
Jocelyn Spiezio (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) scoring twice,
Lauren Durfey (Gansevoort, NY/South Glens Falls) grabbing two assists, and
Ismiah ChinQuee (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) walling up in net, giving the team a big 3-0 win.
The Pioneers were dominant in the possession category, getting off 12 shots (seven on goal) as opposed to just one shot by Keuka. The visitors also managed to defeat the Wolves in the corner category, getting five corners as opposed to Keuka's two. Although, the orange and blue defended both of those corners well, and put up an outstanding defensive effort throughout the entire game as well, grabbing their first shutout of the 2025 season.
Spiezio led the Pioneers with her pair of scores, getting the first two in the matchup. The third goal was netted by
Delaney Stephan (Litchfield, NY/Mount Markham), with that being the rookie's first career score. Durfey assisted the final two goals of the game, adding two points to her resume with some excellent distribution tactics.
ChinQuee didn't record a save in the matchup, but posted a shutout nonetheless, getting her first zero of the 2025 season.
Spiezio started the scoring in the 6th minute of play, redirecting a Durfey pass into the goalkeeper's pads, but making a great effort to follow her shot as she slammed home the rebound to make it 1-0.
Later in the first half, the ball found Spiezio again, this time thanks to a well-timed interception by Durfey. With about three minutes until half, the Pioneers began to put pressure on the Keuka defense, including Durfey, who swiped the ball from a Wolves defender at the top of the circle. The Pioneer midfielder then sent a pass directly to Spiezio at the heart of the circle, which Spiezio then slotted lower right to make it 2-0.
With seconds remaining in the third quarter, the Pioneers found their final goal. The orange and blue won a corner, and on the ensuing play, Durfey continued to display great vision, receiving the ball at the top of the circle and completely flipping the field as she sent it to Stephan on the other side. Stephan weaved the ball through a pair of Keuka defenders to make it 3-0.
The Pioneers would then hold the line over the final quarter, producing a big 3-0 victory.
