The Utica College women's basketball team used a 21-0 run over the course of 5:26 to open the second half and erase a six point first half deficit as the Pioneers went on to defeat visiting SUNY Potsdam 71-62 in the season opener for both squads Sunday. Junior forward Jessica Berry scored a game-high 25 points and added 17 rebounds, while classmate Devon Croll added 16 points for the Pioneers.

Potsdam led by as many as ten points in the first half after holding UC scoreless for 3:56 midway through the half. A lay up by Rachel Graf gave the Bears a 22-12 lead with 6:09 remaining in the first half of play.

UC answered with an 8-0 run behind two straight field goals from freshman Meghan Fiore to cut the Potsdam  lead to two, 22-20, with 3:59 to go in the first half. 

The Bears outscored the Pioneers 8-4 in the final three minutes of the half to take a 30-24 lead into the locker room. 

UC turned it on in the second half, shooting 48.4 %(15-of-31) from the floor, and outscored Potsdam 47-32 to earn the nine point victory. 

After going ahead 33-32 at 17:55 of the second half the Pioneers only relinquished the lead once more in en route to the key non conference victory. 

Stephanie Nara netted nine points after shooting 3-of-6 from 3-point land, while Fiore finished the day with seven points and three rebounds. 

Cortney Potrier scored a team-high 20 points and added 11 rebounds for Potsdam and Brittany Whitton scored 12 points off the bench. 

UC returns to action Friday when they square off against Rutgers Camden in the bi-annual Utica College Women's Basketball Tip-Off Tournament. The contest is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

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