HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Houghton women's soccer will host Utica College in the first round of the Empire 8 Tournament at Burke Field on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

The Highlanders are seeded 4th while the Pioneers earned the No. 5 seed. The winner will advance to take on top-seed Nazareth College on Thursday.

See the E8 Tournament Preview.

This marks Houghton's second appearance in the E8 postseason (2015). They earned the right by closing the regular season with three-straight wins, capped by a 2-1 win over No. 2 seed Russell Sage College. Sage will take on the winner of Tuesday's other first round matchup between No. 3 St. John Fisher and No. 6 Alfred.

The Highlanders did not have a chance to play Utica during the regular season as that contest was canceled. "I am excited that this is the first time we will face off against Utica this season," said Head Coach Nikki Elsaesser. "Watching Utica's results throughout the season and seeing their strengths, I believe this has to potential to be a very good battle for us today. We are prepared and the players are fired up."

It's been an unusual season, to say the least, but Coach Elsaesser has been pleased with how her team has adjusted and has seen growth over the shortened campaign. "At the beginning of the season we talked about the need to get better every day so that we can play our best soccer at the end of the season. This group has done just that," said the second-year coach. "We are coming off a big week with two significant conference wins. Last week's games have given us the confidence boost we needed going in to playoffs. Yet, this team has a good head on their shoulders and we realize that now, last week is history. Our game today will be played with heart and passion being that a win today would allow us more time together with special group of teammates.
 
"There was a series of disruptions to our regular season due to different circumstances with the virus. We have had most of the team back together for a week now and practices have been sharp and purposeful. That gives me confidence in this group. That reality in combination with a large, passionate senior class I do believe we are a force to be reckoned with going into post season play. They are fueled by the love of being together and the hope of more time to train."

The game can be followed live online with both stats and video at the Houghton All-Access Portal.