ALFRED, NY - The Utica University women's soccer team battled Alfred University to a scoreless draw on Saturday evening at Yunevich Stadium.

Ayla Flockton (Plymouth, MA/Plymouth North) led the Pioneers with four shots, including a team-high three shots on goal, while Madison Wagner (Saukville, WI/Divine Savior Holy Angels) also registered four shots and one on goal. Krista Panko (Ilion, NY/Central Valley Academy) added two shots, while Natalia Bell (Cortland, NY/Groton), Cora Kraft (Poughquag, NY/Arlington), Bailey Hewson (Plattsburgh, NY/Plattsburgh), Ella Dischiavo (Utica, NY/Sauquoit Valley), Adrianna Calabria (Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse), Abigail Jalocha (Maspeth, NY/Monsignior McClancy Memorial) and Kadence Smith (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) each recorded one shot. Emily Duro (Wappinger Falls, NY/Roy C. Ketcham) made one save in goal to earn her second consecutive shutout, and the Pioneers' fifth clean sheet of the season. 

The Pioneers controlled the majority of the offensive opportunities throughout the contest, finishing with a 17-6 advantage in shots and a 7-1 edge in shots on goal. Utica also held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks as it consistently pressured the Alfred defense.

Utica created several opportunities in the opening half, with Wagner, Hewson, and Panko seeing shots blocked before Natalia Bell (Cortland, NY/Groton) and Cora Kraft (Poughquag, NY/Arlington) tested the Alfred goalkeeper. Flockton also put a shot on target late in the half, but the Alfred keeper made the save to keep the game scoreless heading into halftime.

The Pioneers continued to apply pressure after the break. Wagner opened the second half with a shot just wide before Calabria had an attempt blocked in the 63rd minute. Panko and Flockton continued to create chances as Utica looked for the breakthrough.

With the game still scoreless in the final 15 minutes, the Pioneers generated some of their best opportunities of the night. Wagner forced another save in the 80th minute before Smith put a shot on frame in the 86th minute. Flockton then nearly gave Utica the lead in the 88th minute, but her shot was cleared off the line by Alfred's Amber Bates. Flockton had another opportunity in the final minute, sending her attempt high.

Utica moves to 3-2-4 on the season and 0-0-3 in Empire 8 play. The team returns to action on Wednesday, September 30 as the team returns home to take on the Keuka College WOlves. Kickoff from Laura M. Casamento Field is set for 4pm.