HOBOKEN, N.J. (September 30, 2017)  – Sophomore Michaela Thompson buried home a rebound goal in the fourth minute to provide an early lead, but the Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team fell to Utica College 4-1 Saturday in an Empire 8 Conference match.

Freshman Nicole Mottole recorded nine saves for the Ducks, who fell to 2-6 on the year and 1-2 in league play. 

Following the early Stevens tally, Utica scored four unanswered goals to claim the victory. The Pioneers improved to 6-4 on the year and 3-2 in the E8. Samantha Whitehouse made nine saves to earn the victory.

Thompson provided Stevens wit an early lead, redirecting a loose rebound past Whitehouse. Senior Cassidy O'Hearn fired the initial shot, which was saved by the Utica keeper, but the Wall, New Jersey native was in perfect position to secure the rebound and push the ball into the goal for her first goal of the season.

The Stevens lead would be short lived, however. Utica's Rylee Meelan, tied for fourth in the conference in goals, knotted the score on a penalty stroke. The Pioneers would go on top less than three minutes later, when Ricki Haab batted a loose ball past Mottole for her first goal of the season. Haab would be instrumental in Utica's third goal teaming up with Jessica Belt for a perfect tic-tac-toe goal, following a penalty corner by the visitors.

Sabrina Whitehouse connected on a loose rebound to provide the game's final margin. 

Stevens held a 26-22 edge in shots, including a 15-8 edge in the second half. 

Thompson, senior Drew Lustig, and freshman Anna Cooper notched defensive saves for the Ducks.

Up Next: The Ducks welcome New Paltz University to the DeBaun Athletic Complex for a non-conference match Tuesday. The Hawks have won four the last five meetings between the teams, with the last Stevens victory coming on Oct. 26, 2011 in Hoboken.

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