UTICA, N.Y. – Houghton women's lacrosse got their Empire 8 schedule underway with a 17-7 loss at Utica College on Saturday.
 
The Pioneers scored the game's first seven goals to gain control early. Jennifer Zacchigna was able to score three times late in the first half, while Houghton limited Utica to just one goal to make the score 11-3 at the half.
 
Utica scored three straight to open the second half before Chandler Jones and Zacchigna registered back to back scores. However, the Pioneers closed the game on a 6-2 run. Zacchigna scored both Houghton goals down the stretch and finished with a season-high six goals on the afternoon.
 
Jones had three assists. Meghan Oswald had five groundballs and four caused turnovers. Alison Clark led Houghton with 12 ground balls and made 16 saves in net.
 
Utica outshot the Highlanders, 55-15, and controlled the center circle, 18-8.
 
Houghton (1-4; 0-1 E8) returns to action for another E8 contest when they host Hartwick on Friday, March 31 at 6 p.m.