BROCKPORT, NY - The Utica University field hockey team saw its 2026 season come to a close on Saturday afternoon, falling 1-0 to Brockport in the first round of the Empire 8 Tournament. After a tightly contested first half that saw neither team find the back of the net, the Golden Eagles broke through early in the third quarter on a penalty stroke. The Pioneers continued to battle and generated several opportunities in the final 15 minutes, but Brockport held on to secure the victory.
Sophia Weiss (Huntington, NY/Huntington) anchored the Pioneer defense throughout the afternoon, finishing with five saves while facing 12 shots from the Golden Eagles. Offensively, Gianna Marcantonio (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury) led Utica with three shots, including one on target, while Jocelyn Spiezio (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) added two attempts. Adele Crayton (Hudson, NY/Taconic Hills), Mia Benincasa (Gansevoort, NY/South Glens Falls), Deanna Jackson (Weedsport, NY/Weedsport), and Delaney Reilly (Marathon, NY/Marathon) each recorded a shot as the Pioneers finished with nine total attempts.
Utica looked to generate momentum during the second quarter, earning back-to-back penalty corners midway through the frame. Marcantonio, who had been dangerous on corners all season, took a pair of solid shot attempts on each chance, but both went wide of the goal. However, the Pioneers' defensive effort continued to hold, sending the teams into halftime scoreless.
Brockport found the breakthrough just over five minutes into the second half. After generating several penalty-corner opportunities, the Golden Eagles were awarded a penalty stroke, which Penelope Schalck converted at the 35:06 mark to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.Â
The orange and blue pushed for an equalizer throughout the fourth quarter, putting five shots toward the goal and earning four penalty corners, creating multiple chances during the stretch, including attempts from Marcantonio, Benincasa, Jackson, and Spiezio, but Nieboer turned aside each shot on target. Utica continued to pressure in the closing minutes, but Brockport maintained its advantage through the final whistle.
The Pioneers finished the contest with nine shots, four on goal, and six penalty corners, while Brockport recorded 12 shots and 10 corners. Weiss totaled five saves in the effort, while Nieboer made four stops for the Golden Eagles. The Pioneers wrapped up their season with many high points, including the introduction of many stellar freshmen to the program, along with a four-game win streak that gave the team its first postseason appearance since 2023.Â
