UTICA, NY – The Houghton Highlanders overcame an early one-goal deficit, scoring a season-high five goals over the final three quarters to defeat the Utica Pioneers, 5-2.
 
The Pioneers set the Highlanders on their heels early, finding the back of the cage just over a minute into the game. 
 
Utica would maintain that lead for over 21 minutes until Campbell Bowers finished a penalty stroke to tie the game.
 
Just over three minutes later, Adria Hatzler put away her sixth goal of the season to give the Highlanders their first lead, 2-1.
 
Not to be outdone, the Pioneers countered, tying the game, 2-2, with just over a minute to play before the half.
 
In the final 30 minutes, Houghton dominated the field, outshooting the Pioneers, 10-2, and maintained a 7-2 advantage in corners.  Bowers would net the game-winner just four minutes into the second half, and Lilyana Good would follow with an insurance goal two minutes later.
 
Good would tack on her second goal of the day with just over a minute to play in the game.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 5 | Utica – 2
Records: Houghton: 6-1 (2-1 Empire 8) | Utica: 1-6 (0-2 Empire 8)
Venue: Gaetano Stadium, Utica College | Attendance: 257

SCORING SUMMARY

1:17		Jocelyn Spiezio (3) Assisted By: Samantha Young Sent in off of a cross
22:52		Campbell Bowers (1) PENALTY STROKE GOAL
26:11		Adria Hartzler (6) Drove in and shot from near the outside
28:56		Alanna Fragapane (4) Assisted By: Samantha Young Sent in during a shuffle
34:09		Campbell Bowers (2) Sent in over goalies head
36:09		Lilyana Good (4) Assisted By: Ava Kramp Sent in from middle off an outside pass
58:45		Lilyana Good (5) Assisted By: Lauren Thurber Sent in at back post off of a lay off pa

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton has now won four straight games against the Pioneers, dating to September 2022.
 
>> Hartzler, who leads the team in goals, has now scored 23 in her career.  Good currently ranks second on the team in goals scored (5) and total points (11).
 
>> Annika Galen made seven saves in goal, earning her sixth win of the season.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"I have to commend our defensive line, once again, or the integral role they're playing in our attack.
 
"This is a really capable group.  I am proud of the way the whole team competed and integrated feedback in the second half.
 
"This game is a good building block heading into another tough week of conference match ups." – Head Coach Hannah Ogden
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will travel to Rochester on Wednesday, October 1, for an Empire 8 matchup with the Nazareth Golden Flyers at 6:00 p.m.