Utica University Athletics

UTICA, NY - The Utica University field hockey team wrapped up its regular season on Wednesday afternoon with a hard-fought 2-1 loss to Hartwick College at Wright Stadium. The Pioneers held a one-goal advantage for much of the contest, as they used a first quarter score to help hold a 1-0 lead until the fourth quarter, where the Hawks eventually rallied for a 2-1 win.

The visitors wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, striking just 4:25 into the opening quarter. Jocelyn Spiezio (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) found the back of the cage for her fifth goal of the season, following a penalty corner insertion as she slotted away a rebound on the back post, giving the Pioneers an early 1-0 lead. Utica's defense held firm throughout the opening half, keeping Hartwick off the scoreboard and carrying the advantage into the break, thanks in large part to senior defender Ryleigh Johnson (Camden, NY/Camden), who had many acrobatic plays, including a highlight-reel defensive save where she leaped up and stopped an aerial with her stick. Her quick decision-making kept the Pioneers in the lead. 

The Pioneers continued to battle through a scoreless third quarter, with goalkeeper Sophia Weiss (Huntington, NY/Huntington) making several key stops to preserve the lead. Utica also generated opportunities of its own, earning penalty corners at a consistent rate as they continued to apply pressure against the hosting Hawks. 

Despite the Pioneers playing an excellent game, the Empire 8's #2 team would eventually strike, with Hartwick evening the score at 1-1. The Hawks struck again at 53:34, taking their first lead of the afternoon and ultimately securing the 2-1 win. 

Defensively, Weiss finished with seven saves, while Johnson recorded two defensive saves to help limit Hartwick's opportunities. The Pioneers finished with 14 shots, including five on goal, and earned six penalty corners in a competitive effort.

The Pioneers wrapped up the regular season with a record of 4-11, along with an Empire 8 mark of 4-5, which was good enough to earn the #6 seed in the upcoming Empire 8 Tournament. The team will make its first postseason trip since 2023 this Saturday when they head to Brockport for a rematch with the Golden Eagles. The Pioneers defeated Brockport earlier this season in an exciting 3-2 affair during Senior Day at Gaetano Stadium, and will have the chance to log another upset at 2:00 PM this Saturday when they travel out to Brockport for Empire 8 First Round action.