FREDONIA, N.Y. -- The Fredonia State women picked up a win in their home debut, a 3-1 victory over Utica University on Day 1 of the Blue Devil Classic on Friday.

Jordan Niccola got things going with a goal in the 12th minute. Maddie Payne assisted. 

In the 36th minute Jenna Hewitt made it 2-0 with an assist from Gabby Irwin, her second helper of the season.

In the 61st minute, Utica's Bella Noble halved the lead on a long, curving shot from just outside the box over the outstretched arms of Blue Devil goalie Abby Szykowiak.

A minute later, Fredonia State was called for a handball in the box. Grace Auer came up with a big block on a Utica shot. The Pioneers kept the pressure on and ripped another shot on goal. Abby Szymkowiak made a tremendous diving block to preserve the lead.

In the 74th minute, Bronwyn Madden just missed a through pass in front of the goal for a scoring opportunity. A few seconds later, she collected the ball at the top of the box and put it in the lower right corner for the score, making it a 3-1 game.

In the 89th minute, Utica had a great opportunity to score. After a loose ball in front of the net, Szymkowiak punched the ball away from a Utica player. Brooke Grazen cleaned it up and cleared the ball and preserved the lead.

Szymkowiak made three saves in goal for the Blue Devils. Courtney Connolly had six saves for the Pioneers, who fall to 1-2.

In the other women's game at the Classic, Oswego downed Houghton, 4-1. Erika Yancey scored two goals for the Lakers. 

Tomorrow, the Devils (2-1) take on Houghton at 12:30 at the Stadium Field. Oswego will play Utica at the same time at the turf field.