UTICA, N.Y. (September 25, 2010) – The Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team dropped to 1-1 in the Empire 8 and 2-6 overall with a 1-0 loss to Utica College on Saturday afternoon at Gaetano Field in Utica, N.Y. The Pioneers notched the game-winner in the 51st minute of action thanks to a goal from senior Lindsey Jester (Holland Point, N.Y.). The Ducks had won 17-straight Empire 8 games dating back to 2008.

Jester's third goal of the season beat Stevens' senior goalkeeper Ellyn Griggs from five yards out on the left side after a beautiful slot pass from senior Sarah Keller (Elizabethtown, Pa.).

Utica goalie Monica Storms (Oswego, N.Y.) stopped seven shots in her third shutout of the season. Griggs also played well despite taking the loss, making seven saves.

The Pioneers (4-4 overall, 2-0 Empire 8) ended the game with a 13-8 edge in shots and an 8-5 advantage in penalty corners.

After a first half that saw the ball in the Stevens zone for most of the time, the Ducks controlled the action in the second stanza. They outshot the Pioneers 6-5 and out-cornered the hosts 4-0 but could not find the game-winner.

Stevens will return to action at the University of Scranton on September 29 and return to Empire 8 play on Saturday in Hoboken, N.J. versus Hartwick College.