UTICA, NY — The RPI field hockey team scored three unanswered goals in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 4-1 road victory over Utica University this afternoon at Gaetano Stadium.
RPI opened the scoring late in the first quarter when
Katie Galgay finished a feed from
Ella Downing for her first goal of the season. The Engineers controlled much of the opening period, generating five shots and four penalty corners while holding Utica without a shot.
Utica pulled even in the second quarter as Jocelyn Spiezio converted a setup from Mia Benincasa. The Pioneers produced all four of their shots in the period, but
Megan Rice made two saves to keep the game tied at 1-1 entering halftime. RPI nearly regained the lead late in the quarter, with Galgay and
Sophia Brown each putting shots on goal before the break.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Engineers took control early in the fourth. Brown scored to put RPI back in front before striking again shortly thereafter off an assist from
Emily Dubord, extending the advantage to 3-1. The two goals gave Brown seven through the first four games of the season.
RPI continued to apply pressure throughout the final period, earning 10 penalty corners and holding Utica without a shot.
Kennedy Campbell capped the scoring later in the quarter, finishing a setup from
Ria Patel for her first goal of the season and the 4-1 final margin.
Brown led the Engineers with two goals on three shots, all on target, while Galgay and Campbell each added a goal. Patel, Dubord and Downing recorded assists, with Downing's helper setting up the game's opening tally.
Emily Dubord finished with three shots, while Campbell, Galgay and Patel each registered two attempts.
RPI finished with a 14-4 advantage in shots and a 10-3 edge in shots on goal. The Engineers also generated a commanding 21-5 advantage in penalty corners, including 10 in the fourth quarter.
