Women’s soccer recap

%28Image+from+Utica_Pioneers+Instagram%29%0ASenior+Ro+Hernandez+Pictured+above.+

(Image from Utica_Pioneers Instagram) Senior Ro Hernandez Pictured above.

Brady Barnard, Contributing Writer

The Utica University Women’s Soccer Team had their first conference game of the season on Saturday Sept. 24, against the Medaille University Mavericks. The Pioneers dominated their Senior Night, winning the game 6-0. 

In the first half, The Mavericks struggled to get the ball out of their half of the field. The Pioneers outshot the Mavericks 20-2 in the first 45 minutes of play. Utica wasted no time when it came to scoring with Ro Hernandez, a senior, netting her fourth goal of the season 18 minutes into the game. Her assist came from junior Mikayla Kelley.

“I think we worked hard and played for each other,” Kelley said. “We tried to come out with a big win for our seniors so we played with a lot of heart.

Midfielder Gabriela Daumont, a junior this year, scored next, putting the Pioneers up 2 in the first 20 minutes. Freshman Samantha Kogut earned her first career assist with a decisive pass to Daumont for the Pioneer’s second goal.

The third goal of the game came from sophomore Rory Richard in the 39th minute of the game, Hernandez was credited with the assist. Minutes before the first half ended, Hernandez was able to add another goal to her stats, putting the Pioneers up 4-0 within 41 minutes.

In the second half, the Pioneers maintained their lead on The Mavericks. Hope Millets, a senior, was able to add another goal to the Pioneer’s tally with her first goal of the season, featuring another assist by Hernandez. Sophomore Noella Burlette was able to score her first goal of the season as well, scoring the sixth goal of the game in the 76th minute.

The game ended with Utica attempting 36, outshooting Medaille by 30. Hernandez and Daumont both lead the team with six shots each. Junior Courtney Connoll and junior Cierra Doolen were both featured for the Pioneer’s in goal. Both played for 45 minutes, tallying one save each.

“We have been training really hard and it’s definitely starting to show,” Daumont said. “We have great team chemistry and everyone plays for each other and that’s what is going to take us far this season.”