The Utica College women's volleyball team (9-12) lost 3-2 against visiting SUNYIT (11-7) on the hardwood at the Clark Athletic Center on Wednesday night.  After dropping the first game the Pioneers battled back to win the next two and had the Wildcats on the ropes in the fourth game but they failed on two game point opportunities as SUNYIT stormed from behind to win the final two games and ultimately the match.  Sophomore Chloe Pierce (Toronto, ONT) led the way for Utica with 17 kills and 19 digs, while Juleah Vedder (Dolgeville, NY) paced the tempo for SUNYIT with a game-high 27 kills. 

Senior Melissa Austin (Castorland, NY) added eight kills for Utica while her younger sister Miranda Austin (Castorland, NY) posted 30 assists and 15 digs.  Senior Brielle Swerdlin (Chester, NJ) totaled ten digs and three kills on the evening. 

Katie Synakowski (Whitesboro, NY) and Courtney Ruether (Allegany, NY) each totaled eight kills for the Wildcats, while Lindsay Meislin (New Hartford, NY) added 24 digs.  Setter Nicole Higgins (Sellersville, PA) posted 45 assists, five digs, one kill and two blocks. 

The Pioneers return to action Friday when they travel to the Oswego Invitational.  Their first contest is scheduled at 4 p.m. SUNYIT returns home Thursday to square off against Clarkson University at 7 p.m.

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