MIDDLEBURY, VT- The Utica College women’s hockey team fell to nationally ranked No. 5 Middlebury College, 5-1, in the opening game of the Panther/Cardinal Classic Saturday afternoon. Senior Jane Pagano (Erie, PA/Tabor Academy) netted the lone goal for Utica.
The Panthers jumped out to a quick start as they scored the opening goal just 1:30 into the game as Shanna Hickman netted her first of the year, assisted by Sidney Portner and Lizzie Sheline. Middlebury tacked on an insurance tally at 9:44 as Janka Hlinka redirected a point shot from Jenna Marotta for her second of the season.
The home team added a pair of power play goals, both off the stick of Elizabeth Wulf, to take a 4-0 lead into the third period.
Middlebury added another score in the third period, before Pagano’s shot went off the cross bar and in to spoil Middlebury’s hopes for a shutout. Pagano’s tally, her third in as many games, was assisted by sophomore Kayla Dion (Colchester, VT/Boston Shamrocks ).
Senior Keira Goin (Dobbs Ferry, NY/Hotchkiss School) and junior Amanda Lupo (Auburn, NY/Skaneateles) combined for 22 saves in the loss, while Middlebury’s Julia Neuburger had 28 saves to improve to 2-0 on the year.
Utica will return to action on Sunday as it takes on the loser of the Plattsburgh/Adrian game. Puck drop is scheduled for 1 p.m.
