The field hockey team notched its fifth consecutive victory after defeating Empire 8 opponent Utica College 2–1 on Oct. 24 in Utica, New York. The Bombers have not lost a game since its matchup against William Smith College on Sept. 30, when the Blue and Gold took a 2–1 loss at the hands of the Herons.

With the win, the squad also secured the No. 1 seed in the Empire 8 Conference Championship, which will mark the first time the Bombers have ever hosted the tournament since 2007.

In the first period of the contest against the Pioneers, Utica managed to take the lead early, five minutes into play with a goal by Jessica Belt off a pass from Colleen Dowling. The Bombers were then able to tie the game at 1–1 in the 28th minute of play when senior midfielder Olivia Salindong found the back of the net off an assist from junior forward Colleen Keegan-Twombly. The two goals would prove to be all both teams could get in the first half.

With the score knotted at 1–1, the Bombers entered the half ready to take the lead, as it only took three minutes into the second half for Keegan-Twombly to register a goal of her own. The goal came off an assist from sophomore forward Michaela Donohue to give the Bombers the 2–1 advantage, and ultimately the victory. The goal marked Keegan’s Twombly’s 12th goal of the season.

In the contest, the Bombers outshot the Pioneers 13–9, while Utica held the 11–15 advantage in penalty corners. Junior goalkeeper Katie Lass collected four saves on the day. The Blue and Gold are now 11–3 overall and 7–1 in conference play.

The Bombers are back in action when they take on SUNY Geneseo for a match at 4 p.m. Oct. 28 in Geneseo, New York.