Pioneers Battle Utica in Wintry Conditions

Utica College used a 9-0 run that spanned parts of the 2nd and 3rd quarter as they defeated Alfred State 17-6 on Wednesday afternoon. The contest was played in high winds throughout the game and snowy conditions the entire 2nd half.

Utica led 5-1 after the 1st quarter with Eric Passeck (Thomaston, CT) scoring the Pioneers lone goal. The blue & gold fought right back into the game with three goals in just over four minutes to start the 2nd. Teddy Alvarado (Hilton) scored 23 seconds into the quarter after getting a pass from Joe Johnson (Churchville). Branden Dickson (Bath) scored 24 seconds later and AJ Soto (Churchville) made it 5-4 with 10:52 remaining in the half after getting a pass from Johnson.

Utica scored the next five goals of the game and led 10-4 at halftime. They continued the offensive pressure with four more unanswered goals in a snowy 3rd quarter.

Soto's second goal of the game stopped the Utica run 1:18 into the 4th quarter but the Alfred State could never get any closer. Utica outscored Alfred State 3-2 in the final quarter with Alvarado netting a goal with 9:32 remaining.

Alvarado and Soto both finished with two goals while Johnson finished with two assists and six groundballs. Nathan Crowley (Irondequoit) picked up seven ground balls to lead Alfred State. Matt Cobb (Churchville) made 15 saves in goal.

Ryan Desveaux led Utica with four goals while Nick Yelich and Tyler Giachinta each had two goals and an assist. Ryan Boshart made 16 saves in net to earn the victory.

Utica held a 40 to 37 shot advantage in the contest.

Alfred State (3-5, 2-0 AMCC) is back in action on Saturday when they return to AMCC play to take on Franciscan.