Fredonia, NY – The Utica women's soccer team took down Oswego State to wrap up the 2026 edition of the Blue Devil Classic, hosted by Fredonia State. The Pioneers grabbed an early goal in the first half, which was quickly answered by an Oswego equalizer. Utica retook the lead early in the second half and held on for a 2-1 victory, keeping the pressure on the Lakers until the final whistle.
Utica started the match hot, with sophomore defender Lily Martin (Poland, NY/Poland) striking a ball off the woodwork. The Pioneers continued the pressure, taking the lead in the 18th minute when Bailey Hewson (Plattsburgh, NY/Plattsburgh) found the back of the net, with Martin providing the assist. The Lakers wasted no time responding, as graduate student Julia Carter scored the equalizer. The Pioneers nearly retook the lead before halftime, with sophomore Ella Dischiavo (Utica, NY/Sauquoit Valley) also hitting the woodwork. The score remained level going into the second half, with Utica looking likely to add more goals.
The Pioneers entered the second half with the same attacking mentality, as a shot by Natalia Bell (Cortland, NY/Groton) forced a corner-kick opportunity. Utica took advantage of the set piece, with Samantha Ferguson (Westmoreland, NY/Westmoreland) scoring the game-winning goal off an assist from Dischiavo. Bell continued to threaten the Oswego defense, recording two more shots on goal and forcing Lakers goalkeeper Lucy Starzyk into a pair of big saves. The Lakers found a late opportunity to level the match, but Pioneer goalkeeper Emily Duro (Wappinger Falls, NY/Roy C. Ketcham) denied the effort and secured the Utica victory.
After a frustrating loss to Fredonia the previous day, the Pioneers headed home with a win. Head Coach Brooke Barbuto will be proud of the way her squad fought throughout the afternoon, earning an impressive victory by capitalizing on its attacking opportunities.
The Pioneers improved to 2-2-1 overall (0-0 Empire 8) and will return to action on Tuesday, September 15, against SUNY Morrisville in a matchup set to be played at ABM Field at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
