UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's hockey team welcomed UCHC foe Manhattanville to the Nexus Center for a crucial late-season conference matchup. Although the Pioneers outshot the Valiants 39-18, they fell by a final score of 2-1. After a scoreless first period, Manhattanville struck for two goals in 19 seconds, and despite scoring a power-play goal a few minutes later, the Pioneers would come up short. The teams will rematch again on Utica's home ice tomorrow at 1:00 pm.

Freshman Samantha Dobrzynski (Garnet Valley, PA/) scored the lone goal for the Pioneers, and she was assisted on the goal by Kelsey Elliott (Attleboro, MA/) and Angelina Garganese (Winter Springs, FL). It was the team-leading fifth goal of the year for Dobrzynski, as well as her 14th point, another team lead. Dobrzynski also had a great game from the faceoff dot, where she won 17 of her 21 faceoffs. Alex Venning (Courtice, ON/) got the start in net and made 16 saves on 18 Valiant attempts.

After a scoreless first period, Utica came out in the second looking to apply pressure. Throughout the game, Utica attackers put several shots on the pipe, including a dangerous attempt by Dylan DiGrazia (Scottsdale, AZ/) just three seconds into the period. After 6:19 of play in the second period, a breakdown in Pioneer defense led to Ali Joly sliding one past Venning to give the Valiants the first goal of the game. 19 seconds later, Manhattanville broke out on a 2-on-1 that led to Catrina Chinetti beating Venning blocker-side to give them a quick 2-0 lead. Both goals were unassisted. Following the quick 2-0 hole, Utica found themselves with a 5-on-3 man advantage five minutes later, which led to Dobrzynski's goal. 

Utica took 22 total shots in the final frame, putting nine of them on target, but could not beat Valiant goalie Olivia Cimorelli. The sophomore stopped 38 of 39 Utica shots and controlled the entire game. 

The Pioneers will look to get their revenge tomorrow, Saturday, February 14th, at 1:00 pm as they play host to a Valentine's Day rematch against the Valiants. Following the series against Manhattanville, the Pioneers will travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to play two games against Chatham University. The games are on February 20th and 21st, at 4:00 pm and 1:00 pm respectively.