TROY, NY - The Utica University field hockey team traveled to Troy on Saturday afternoon to take on the Engineers of RPI after a 13-day break that began at the beginning of September. The Pioneers went down early against the tough Liberty League side, getting off to a slow start in the matchup. Their start would end up costing them, as RPI took a sizeable lead into the half, holding the advantage up until the final whistle. 

Pioneer Captain Alanna Fragapane (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) managed to notch the first goal of her senior season in the contest, stepping up and nailing a shot from the penalty spot to grab a penalty stroke score.  The forward would also notch two shots on goal in the game, coming a few inches away from picking up even more points.

Mia Benincasa (Gansevoort, NY/South Glens Falls) also managed two shots in the contest, not drawing net but remaining active in the opposing half as she continues to find opportunities at a high rate. 

Ryleigh Johnson (Camden, NY/Camden) continued to anchor the defense, grabbing a defensive save to try and flip the momentum. She recaptured the team lead with her stop, keeping her defensive save average at one per game. 

Ismiah ChinQuee (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) got the start in goal for the Pioneers, saving 10 shots before making way for freshman keeper Sophia Weiss (Huntington, NY/Huntington), who also notched a save. 

The Pioneers will now look to next week, and a battle with Skidmore in the home-opener of their 25th anniversary season. That game will begin at 4:00 PM next Tuesday at Gaetano Stadium.