Box Score Box | Updated stats
UTICA, N.Y. -- Host Utica scored three times in each half Saturday in an Empire 8 Conference field hockey game against Nazareth and the Pioneers delivered a 6-1 victory over the Golden Flyers.

Louise Steele-Norton scored three goals and added an assist as the Pioneers improved to 7-2 overall and 2-0 in the Empire 8. Nazareth got a goal from freshman Kristina Back and had a three-game winning streak snapped. Nazareth is 3-4 overall and 2-1 in conference games.

Utica enjoyed an 18-7 edge in shots and a 13-3 advantage on penalty corners. The Pioneers' first three goals came within the first 15 minutes of the first half. Hannah Mackey scored the first goal at 7:45 and Steele-Norton scored the next two with Colleen Dowling assisting on each.

Utica extended its lead to 6-0 on the strength of second-half goals by Jessica Franklin, Becky Vivacqua and Steele-Norton. Nazaret was able to avoid the shutout when Back scored her third goal of the season off an assist from senior Jordan Ritchie.

Junior Shannon Winney started in goal for the Golden Flyers and yielded five goals, while making seven saves. Freshman Mary Greco played the final 21 minutes and had one save.

Nazareth visits Cortland Tuesday for a non-conference game at 4 p.m.