Stevens 44, Utica 37 - BOX SCORE

Utica, N.Y. (12/10/2010) – Sophomore forward Meghan Fiore (Epping, NH/Epping) netted a career-high 23 points but the rest of the Utica College women's basketball team could only muster 14 points as the Pioneers dropped their Empire 8 Conference opener, 44-37, against visiting Stevens Institute of Technology Friday night.

UC led at half, 21-19, however the Pioneers could not hold off the Ducks down the stretch. In the second half, both teams shot 33.3% from the field and neither connected from behind the arc. In the end, the Pioneers could not recover from the 23 total turnovers.

Fiore netted all 16 of the Pioneers second half points as Utica's record fell to 4-4 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Stevens, led by Paige Armstrong's 14 point effort, improved to 6-1 on the season and 1-0 in the Empire 8.

Senior Stephanie Nara (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson) snagged a game-high 12 boards, while Jessica Berry (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) grabbed 10 rebounds to along with six points and three assists.

The Pioneers return to the hardwood Sunday as they host SUNY Oneonta at the Clark Athletic Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. The Red Dragons are currently 6-0 overall, including 2-0 in SUNYAC play.