UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's soccer team opened the 2025 Empire 8 Conference slate with a statement victory over previously undefeated Houghton University, taking down the Highlanders by a score of 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.
 
Three different Pioneers contributed to the scoring efforts in Cora Kraft (Poughquag, NY/Arlington), Bailey Hewson (Plattsburgh, NY/Plattsburgh), and Madison Wagner (Saukville, WI/Divine Savior Holy Angels). Hewson and Wagner, along with Amber Piersma (Cassville, NY/Mount Markham) led the Pioneers' offensive efforts with a pair of shots on goal each. Kraft and Adrianna Calabria (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) each recorded a shot on goal. Kraft and Wagner both tallied on another point to their stat lines with an assist each, while Rylee Lamphere (Little Falls, NY/Dolgeville) managed to get herself involved with a pair of assists. Goalkeeper Hannah Pcola (Cassville, NY/Mount Markham) recorded three saves in the win. 
 
The Pioneers would get the scoring going early, with Kraft finding the back of the net after a corner kick from Wagner would find the foot of Kraft who would send it into the back of the net in the 12th minute of the game. Less than 10 minutes later, the Pioneers would find the back of the net again off the head of Hewson who would head the ball in off of a deep pass into the box from Kraft for the 2-0 score. Houghton would then half the deficit with a shot off of a free kick that would go straight into the back of the net, bringing the score to 2-1 heading into the halftime break. 
 
Coming out of the break, the Pioneers would continue to rifle shots at the Highlander net, and it would be Wagner that would be successful in her attempt in the 62nd minute. Both teams would go rather cold in offensive production for the remainder of the contest, with the Pioneers only being able to rifle off another two shots in the remaining 30 minutes, but it would be enough for the Pioneers to come away with the win by a score of 3-1. 
 
Utica (4-3-1, 1-0 Empire 8) returns to action on Wednesday, September 24 as the team hosts the St. John Fisher Cardinals. Game time from Laura M. Casamento Field is set for 4pm.