The Utica College women's volleyball team lost their seventh match of the season on Wednesday, September 10 after a grueling duel with the Wildcats of Cazenovia.

    The Pioneers tallied 37 kills, seven service aces, and 69 digs but could not come up with the victory as they went on to lose 3-of-4 games at the Stephen M. Schneewelss Athletic Center in Cazenovia.

    Despite Utica's 11 kills, the Wildcats were able to steal the first game of the day, edging out the visitors 27–25.  The Pioneers managed to take their opponents past regulation in the second game but lost in a thrilling battle, 31-29. 

    Efforts by Miranda Austin (Beaver River/Castorland), who racked up 22 assists on the day, and Melissa Austin (Beaver River/Castorland), who pitched in nine kills and 20 digs throughout the match, helped Utica prevail in the third game, 25-20.  Finally, Caz went home with the win after capping off the day with a 25-18 victory.

    The win was the first of the season for the Wildcats as they improve to 1-6.

    Brielle Swerdlin (West Morris Medham/Chester, NJ) led the Pioneers with 15 kills and Chloe Pierce (Richview/Toronto, ON) registered 18 digs during the losing effort.  Utica had previously defeated the Wildcats 3-0 during their last meeting on September 5, 2007.

    The Pioneers are still in search of their first win of the season as they return to action this weekend for four matches at the Union Tournament in Schenectady, NY.


                             --- www.ucpioneers.com ---