ROCHESTER, NY - Pioneer Field Hockey wrapped up its season on October 31st, showing well against a sturdy Brockport side, but falling 1-0 to the #3-seeded Golden Eagles. Despite that loss, though, there is plenty to be excited about with this program, especially thanks to its array of young talent. The team capped off its season with a fierce four-game win streak to help notch its first postseason appearance since 2023. In doing so, the team earned a few strong Empire 8 All-Conference selections, the conference announced on Monday morning. 

Senior midfielder Jocelyn Spiezio (Greenwich, NY/Greenwich) picked up her second career all-conference nod, being named to the third team. Rookie defender Gianna Marcantonio (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury) received an all-conference second team selection, while fellow rookie Gabby Chase (Johnstown, NY/Johnstown) rounded out the all-conference selections with a third team nod. Lastly, junior defender Lauren Durfey (Gansevoort, NY/South Glens Falls) was named Utica's Tomorrow's Leaders Team representative. 

Spiezio was strong as usual in her senior season, commanding the offense as she collected five goals and tied for the team-high in assists with Marcantonio, as both players secured six playmakers. Spiezio's speed allowed her to put pressure on opposing defenses, while her vision led her to slot in as the team's main insertion option from the penalty corner. Her veteran leadership was integral in connecting a group of three freshman attackers who joined her as the team's top four point-getters. She wraps up her career with 16 goals, 13 assists, and 45 points across 65 career games. 

Marcantonio joined Spiezio on the second team after a standout two-way season, where she picked up an Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week honor while also recording four goals and six assists. Her 14 total points placed her third on the Pioneers' scoring charts. She was a very strong option on penalty corner plays, as she routinely launched high-quality shots from the near post to help generate offense for the orange and blue. 

Chase rounded out the Empire 8 All-Conference selections, picking up a third team nod after leading the Pioneers with eight goals, three assists, and 19 points. Chase broke out against Morrisville, grabbing three goals as she recorded her first career hat trick. The run continued from there, as Chase used some fundamental offensive tactics to record team-highs in goals and points. The Johnstown native also displayed longevity right from the jump, as she and Marcantonio were the only two rookies to start in all 16 of the Pioneers' games this season.

Durfey was named the team's Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leader Team representative for her leadership and integrity during the season. The conference recognizes one player from each Empire 8 team to achieve this honor, and describes the honor by saying, "This team honors a student-athlete who has emerged as a leader not only on the field of play, but in the classroom and in the community. In addition, they 'compete with honor and integrity' and have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportswomen."

The Pioneers wrapped the season up with a 4-12 record, but grabbed a 4-5 finish in the Empire 8, picking up huge wins against Brockport and Nazareth, while posting one-goal losses to Hartwick, St. Lawrence, and Houghton.

Make sure to follow the team on Instagram for information about the 2027 season!

Utica Field Hockey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uticafieldhockey/