Utica, N.Y. – Freshman forward Christine Franz (West Windsor-Plainsboro/Plainsboro) scored the only goal of the game in the 76th minute to give the field hockey team a 1-0 victory at Empire 8 rival Utica. The win, Ithaca’s first of the season, improves its record to 1-3 on the season, while the Pioneers drop to 2-4 overall. It was the conference opener for both teams.

 

Franz took both of Ithaca’s shots that led to the winning goal. On the first shot, junior Elyse Green (Shawnee/Medford) crossed the ball to Franz, whose initial shot was stopped by Utica’s goalie. She then tipped in her own rebound for the goal unassisted.

 

Sophomore goalkeeper Chelsea Welsh (Scotia-Glenville/Scotia) got the start and played 40:08 minutes in which she made four saves. Fellow sophomore goalkeeper Courtney Dowell (Massapequa/Massapequa) played 35 minutes and made three saves in the second half. Welsh returned to the cage for the overtime period and picked up the first victory of her collegiate career.

 

The Bombers’ next game is at Scranton Wednesday at 3 p.m.