ALBANY, N.Y. –  Russell Sage College was edged 11-10 by Utica in this afternoon's Empire 8 Conference game at ACP Stadium.

Attackman Hunter Brunelle (Skaneateles, NY/Jordan-Elbridge), a grad student, topped the Gators, which came into the contest off a 12-day layoff, with four goals. Junior attackman Anthony Abreu (Monroe, NJ/Monroe Township) added three goals, while senior attackman Bailey Martin (Syracuse, NY/Onondaga Central) led all participants with three assists. Senior midfielder Shea Obado (Spotswood, NJ/Spotswood) fired two goals into the net, while senior goalie Michael Capitelli (Oceanside, NY/Oceanside) registered 12 saves.

RSC started strong, scoring on four of its opening five shots to hold a 4-0 lead with 5:42 left in the first quarter. Utica (5-4/1-0 E8) answered by outscoring the Gators 4-1 in the second period to hold a 6-5 advantage at the break. The second half stayed tight throughout, with three deadlocks across the final 17:32.

With 2:42 remaining in the fourth quarter, sophomore attackman John Spoto scored the eventual game winner. RSC had its opportunities to re-knot the E8 contest, but Pioneers sophomore Jon Goodspeed was up to the task. He finished with 14 saves.

Senior attackman John Avery and sophomore attackman Sam Serrano led Utica with three goals apiece.

The Gators (5-6/0-2 E8) continue conference play on Saturday afternoon at Alfred. Opening face-off is set for 1:00 PM.

Gator Golf Classic: The 17th annual Gator Golf Classic will be held on June 3rd at Colonie Country Club. Registration for the event is now open at: alumni.sage.edu/gatorgolf2022

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