UTICA, N.Y. -- Houghton women's soccer suffered its first setback of the season, a 3-1 loss on the road to Utica on Saturday.

The Pioneers scored twice in the first 21 minutes to take control early. Hope Russell subbed in after the second goal and finally got the Highlanders on the board in the 31st minute with a perfectly placed free kick from 25 yards out. Russell's shot went around the right side of the wall and past the diving Pioneers keeper to make the score 2-1.

Utica outshot the Highlanders 6-3 in the opening 45 minutes. The shots were even at eight apiece in the second half, and the Highlanders had a great chance to even the score in the 61st minute. But Russell's half volley off a corner kick hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced off the line to the Pioneer keeper. Moments later, Utica would tally the final score of the game to take a decisive 3-1 lead. The Highlanders remained aggressive and on the attack, but were unable to break through the Pioneer defense.

Russell's goal was her team-leading sixth of the season. 

Preslee Miller made five saves in net in 90 minutes of action.

The Highlanders are back in action on Tuesday, September 23 when they travel to take on Alfred State at 7 p.m.