ONEONTA, NY - The Utica University field hockey team continued its three-game road trip on Friday afternoon, traveling to All College Field for a matchup with SUNY Oneonta as part of the Oneonta State Invitational. The Pioneers battled throughout the afternoon, producing just one less shot than the hosts, but the Red Dragons used three unanswered goals to ultimately come away with a 3-0 victory.
The orange and blue finished the afternoon with six shots, putting three attempts on goal, while Oneonta registered seven shots with six landing on frame. The Pioneers also showed their offensive pressure, earning more corners than the hosts by a 6-5 margin. The Pioneers continued to push for shots from the short corner throughout the contest, including three opportunities in the fourth quarter as the Pioneers pressured the Oneonta defense late in the contest. However, the Red Dragons' efficiency would send them to the victory, as they netted a trio of scores, using one extra shot than the orange and blue to do so.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Oneonta broke through just over five minutes before halftime. Alexandra Howell found the back of the cage at the 25:02 mark, with Gaby Ackley providing the assist to give the Red Dragons a 1-0 advantage heading into the halftime break.
Utica continued to battle coming out of the locker room, with goalkeeper Sophia Weiss (Huntington, NY/Huntington) making three saves during the third quarter to keep the Pioneers within striking distance. The orange and blue earned several penalty corners throughout the contest, but were unable to find the equalizer as Oneonta's defense held firm.
After a tight third quarter, Oneonta State would double their lead, putting the match out of reach despite the Pioneers valiant third frame effort.
Gabby Chase (Johnstown, NY/Johnstown) led the Pioneers with three shots, all of which landed on goal, while Mia Benincasa (Gansevoort, NY/South Glens Falls) added two shots. Weiss played all 60 minutes in goal for the orange and blue, making three saves on six shots faced.
The Pioneers will close out the Oneonta State Invitational tomorrow afternoon when they take on St. Lawrence at 3:30 p.m. at All College Field.
