UTICA, NY - Utica University women's lacrosse team is set for its second matchup of the 2026 season as the Pioneers travel to face non-conference opponent Plattsburgh State on Saturday, February 27. The opening draw is scheduled for 3:00 pm in Plattsburgh, NY.
Follow Along: For those unable to attend, live video can be found HERE, and live stats can be found HERE.
Last Time Out: The Pioneers kicked off their season by hosting the SUNY New Paltz Hawks. In the season opener, Utica fell to the visitors by a score of 17-7, being outshot 35-16. Despite the result, several Pioneers had exciting performances, highlighted by
Alyssa Specchio (Chenango Forks, NY/Chenango Forks). The sophomore attacker netted five of the team's seven goals, and pulled in three of Utica's seven draw controls, the only player with multiple. Specchio's efforts earned her Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week recognition. Fellow attackers
Jessica Marciano (Churchville, NY/Churchville Chili) and
Bella Kolb (New Hartford, NY/New Hartford) netted the other goals, and each also added an assist.
Alexis Alteri (Clinton, NY/Clinton) and
Meghan Brennan (Southbury, CT/Pomperaug) each pocketed an assist, with Brennan's five ground balls leading the team. Junior
Makayla Purdy (Shirley, NY/William Floyd) played in net for the orange and blue, making 13 saves across the 60:00.
About Plattsburgh State: The Plattsburgh State Cardinals enter the matchup with a 1-0 overall record after defeating fellow Empire 8 conference opponent Russell Sage 18-7 in their season opener. Cynthia Barnosky led the way with five goals and two assists, while Ellie Macdonald tallied three goals and one assist, and Ashley O'Hara netted one goal, three assists, and a team-high eight draw-controls. Maggie Maurer, Leah Klotz, and Erica Dickinson chipped in a pair of goals each, and nine players scored at least one point against Sage. Defensively, Aimee Lieman got the start in goal and recorded three saves. O'Hara had five caused turnovers, followed by Lexi Carfi with two.
Matchup History: Utica and Plattsburgh State have met three times, with Utica holding a 2-1 edge in the all-time series. The Pioneers have won the last two matchups to build their current two game win streak against the Cardinals, while Plattsburgh's lone victory came on the road, setting the stage for another competitive chapter in a young but growing non-conference rivalry.
Up Next: The Pioneers next contest will see them travel to Coyer Field in Buffalo, New York, on Saturday, March 7th. Action in that contest is slated to begin at 1:00 pm. Utica next returns to their home field on Tuesday, March 17th, in a matchup with the University of Rochester.
