CLINTON, NY -  Utica University women's soccer closed out the regular season on Saturday afternoon, falling to Hamilton, 5-0, in a hard fought road contest. Despite a career high 13 saves from goalkeeper Kyler Weatherred (Eagle, CO/Ralston Valley), the Pioneers battled throughout the match but were unable to contain a dangerous Continental attack. With the regular season now complete, Utica turns its attention towards postseason action.

Match Summary
The Continentals started the match on the front foot but were met by a resilient Utica defense. The Pioneers defended bravely, led by an excellent performance from Weatherred in her second start of the season. Hamilton's persistent pressure was finally rewarded in the 36th minute when Aly Fernandes curled a stunning strike into the top corner from outside the box.

Utica did well to limit Hamilton to difficult chances for much of the opening half but ultimately fell behind on a moment of individual brilliance. While opportunities were limited, the Pioneers continued to battle and looked to generate offense through set pieces and counterattacks, entering halftime trailing 1-0.

Hamilton wasted little time extending its advantage after halftime, striking less than a minute into the second half. Fernandes scored her second goal of the afternoon with another long-range effort to double the Continental lead. The Pioneers found themselves under sustained pressure during the opening stages of the half as Hamilton pushed forward in search of more goals.

The hosts would add a third goal midway through the second half as senior Emma Kelesoglu found the back of the net for the first time this season. Minutes later, Fernandes completed her hat trick to make it 4-0. Kelesoglu added her second goal of the afternoon late in the match to cap the scoring. With the regular season now complete, the Pioneers turn their attention to the Empire 8 Conference Tournament as they prepare for postseason play.