UTICA, NY - The Utica University field hockey team welcomed the Houghton Highlanders to Gaetano Stadium last night in the finale of this year's Homecoming festivities. In a matchup with potential postseason implications, the Pioneers started off extremely hot, but saw their initial onslaught weathered by the visiting side as they fell by a 5-2 final.

Despite the scoreline leaning in Houghton's favor, the game was extremely competitive throughout, with both sides have plenty of opportunities. Utica would lead in the shot category through the first 30 minutes, having a 10-8 advantage, however, a high-volume fourth quarter by Houghton would see the game reach it's final scoreline, with the Highlanders outshooting the Pioneers 18-12 (14-9). 

Houghton grabbed 11 penalty corners to the Pioneers' 4, looking for plenty of set scores. The Pioneers' contrasted their opponents' gameplan by using some powerful clears to get out on the break. Using their speed, the Pioneer counterattack was dangerous on Saturday and nearly produced even more scoring output. 

Much like the Morrisville game earlier in the week, the pair of Jocelyn Spiezio (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) and Alanna Fragapane (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) took the lead on offense, as each player grabbed a goal. Samantha Young (Jordanville, NY/Little Falls) patrolled the midfield to great effect, assisting on each of the Pioneers' two goals. 

Spiezio would open the scoring on Saturday, receiving a Young pass from the right side and redirecting it past the Highlander defense, which was caught off guard by Spiezio's sudden crash. 

Fragapane's goal would come right before halftime, as the two Pioneer captains would connect, with Young finding Fragapane in front of the net during a major shuffle to knot the score at 2-all.

Despite some good chances in the second half, the Pioneers would eventually fall behind, with Houghton eventually securing the win thanks to a three-goal second half. 

Ismiah ChinQuee (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) did well to slow the Highlanders though, stopping eight shots in the contest and cutting off many different angles. 

Even with the loss, the Pioneers continue to find their footing on offense, having lots of high-quality chances in the matchup. They'll look to continue this trend as the Empire 8 season moves on.