HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Houghton field hockey suffered a gut-wrenching last-minute 3-2 loss to Utica in Empire 8 action Saturday on Burke Field.
The Pioneers scored within the first minute and added second goal in the 24th minute to go up 2-0. Houghton, however, started to pressure Utica and finally got on the board in the 29th minute when
Hannah Daniels drilled a shot from the top of the circle on a penalty corner pass from
Nicole Jennings. Houghton was able to tie the score with no time left on the clock after a penalty corner. Freshman
Beth Wagner knocked home a lose ball to make it 2-2 at the break.
The second half was back and forth, with both teams pressuring offensively, but strong defensive efforts thwarted any serious threats on goal. The Pioneers had the best chance when they were awarded a penalty stroke in the 62nd minute, but the shot was pushed wide and off the post. The thrill of the stop was short-lived, however, as the visitors got the game-winner off a corner with just 31 seconds to play.
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 2 | Utica – 3
Records: Houghton: 2-6 (0-3 Empire 8) | Utica: 4-3 (2-0 Empire 8)
Venue: Burke Field | Attendance: 75
SCORING SUMMARY
NOTABLE STATS
>> The Highlanders had a 14-11 advantage in shots
>> The Pioneers edged the Highlanders 10-8 in penalty corners
>>
Beth Wagner now has four goals and four assists on the season
>>
Sarah Olandt made six saves in net
UP NEXT
Houghton has a week off before traveling to take on Stevens in another E8 contests on Saturday, September 29.
