La-Zai Outerbridge and his Hobart College team-mates produced a clinical second-half fightback to edge out Utica University 2-1 on a sodden afternoon at Cozzens Field.
The non-conference victory extends an immaculate start to the campaign for the Statesmen, who move to 4-0-0 to open a season with four consecutive wins for the second year running.
On a slick surface in wet and persistent rain, the hosts had to be patient before turning territorial control into goals after the interval.
Senior Joe Pariano broke the deadlock for Hobart, before junior Will Slayton doubled the advantage to seize firm control of the contest.
Utica mounted a late reply through Mason Bucher to halve the deficit, but Hobart held resolute through the closing stages.
Sophomore goalkeeper Finn Connaughton played the full 90 minutes between the posts in his first collegiate start, pulling off four crucial saves to preserve the win.
The visitors relied heavily on their goalkeeping pairing to stay within touching distance throughout the contest. Starter Zachary Accetta produced four first-half stops before being replaced at the break by Asim Gacic, who denied Hobart with five saves during a busy second period.
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