ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira College field hockey team showed resilience on Saturday afternoon at Campus Field, battling back with a strong second-half performance before ultimately falling to visiting Utica University, 7–4.
JUST THE BASICS:
SCORE: Elmira 4, Utica 7
LOCATION: Elmira, NY | Campus Field
TEAM RECORDS: Elmira (3-9, 2-6 Empire 8), Utica (4-8, 3-4 Empire 8)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- After the Pioneers jumped out to a 5–0 halftime lead, the Soaring Eagles came alive in the second half, scoring all four of their goals across the final two quarters. Talia Nash '28 sparked the comeback effort, scoring twice in the third quarter—including one on a penalty stroke—and assisting on another goal.
- Nicole Luther '28 would score Elmira's third goal of the contest, finding the back of the cage off a feed from Nash at the 36:19 mark. Caitlin Ehlenfield '27 added Elmira's fourth goal late in the contest, converting on a setup from Madison Fleming '27 in the closing minutes. Ehlenfield also tallied an assist earlier in the game on Nash's opening goal.
- Despite the early deficit, goalkeeper Angelina Caban '26 turned in a busy performance in the cage, recording nine saves against a Utica attack that posted 21 total shots.
- For Utica, Alanna Fragapane led all scorers with a hat trick and an assist, while Lauren Durfey and Mia Benincasa each chipped in goals for the Pioneers.
- Elmira finished the afternoon with 14 shots—10 of which landed on target—and nine penalty corners, showcasing a much-improved offensive rhythm after halftime.
UP NEXT:
The Soaring Eagles return to Campus Field on Wednesday to take on the Wolves from Keuka College in Empire 8 action. Game time is set for 6:00 PM.
