UTICA, N.Y. – The Manhattanville College women's hockey fell to United Collegeiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) opponent Utica College in their first game of the 2021 season, Friday, Feb. 19. Manhattanville goalie Franny Gerardi (Yonkers, N.Y./Selects Academy) made 41 saves on 46 shots in the 5-0 loss.
 
The Pioneers (2-1) got out of the gate quickly, scoring five minutes into the first period to take a 1-0 lead. They would score twice more before the first intermission to take a 3-0 lead after one period of play. Utica would score once more in each of the next two periods to reach five goals total.
 
The Valiants (0-1) found themselves on the penalty kill five times in the game and the Pioneers capitalized twice. They scored their second and fifth goals with a man-advantage. Manhattanville was able to settle in after a tough first period and continued to battle in their first action in almost a year and a roster with many new faces. Freshman defender Faithe Harris (Castlegar, B.C./Pacific Steelers (JWHL)) led the team in blocks with three and sophomore forward Morgan Miller (St. Augustine, Fla./Gilmour Academy) led the team in shots with five.
 
The Crimson and White will look for redemption against the Pioneers on a quick turnaround tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 20. Manhattanville will host Utica at Westchester Skating Academy in Elmsford, N.Y. and puck drop is scheduled for 8:20 P.M.
 
*All NCAA safety protocols regarding COVID-19 were followed during this contest.