UTICA, NY - On Senior Day, the Utica University women's soccer team earned three crucial points with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Elmira College on Saturday afternoon. In a tightly contested matchup, the Pioneers battled through a scoreless deadlock for the majority of play, seeing quality chances turned away by the Elmira defense. A late goal from outside the box proved to be the difference, giving the Pioneers the lead with just over ten minutes to play. Utica held on for the win, concluding its final conference match with a significant victory and carrying momentum into postseason play.
Match Summary
The Pioneers came out on the front foot, with senior forwards Meg Lasher (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) and Mallory Mower (Mohawk, NY/Central Valley Academy) generating early chances in their Senior Day match. The opening half was a tightly contested battle, as both teams struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Utica found momentum late in the period, beginning with a dangerous effort from senior Cora Kraft (Poughquag, NY/Arlington) before Natalia Bell (Cortland, NY/Groton) nearly broke the deadlock with a powerful strike following a well-worked attack down the left flank. However, a strong save from the Elmira goalkeeper kept the match scoreless, sending both teams into halftime tied 0-0.
Utica controlled much of the second half, continuing to apply pressure with 11 shots and forcing Elmira goalkeeper Sarah Cantrell to make several key saves. As momentum shifted throughout the match, the Soaring Eagles found themselves with several opportunities to take the lead. With time running out, the visitors created a dangerous counterattack that ended with a shot off the crossbar in the 80th minute, denying what appeared to be a certain goal.
Utica found its breakthrough in dramatic fashion in the 86th minute. After a hard-fought match, Abigail Jalocha (Maspeth, NY/Monsignior McClancy Memorial) delivered the decisive moment, burying a clinical right-footed strike from outside the box. The goal was created by an accurate long ball from Kadence Smith (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) that found sophomore Samantha Ferguson (Westmoreland, NY/Westmoreland), who slipped the ball into the path of Jalocha for the finish. The late strike ignited the Utica sideline and proved to be the difference, as the Pioneers locked down the final minutes to secure the hard fought conference victory.
Up Next
Utica University women's soccer concludes the 2026 regular season with an away match against Hamilton College on Sunday, October 26. Kickoff from Love Field is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
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