The Utica College women's basketball team defeated Empire 8 Conference rival Hartwick College Tuesday night, 89-61, as junior Devon Croll (Vernon, NY) became the ninth player in program-history to reach the 1,000 career point plateau. The Pioneers were led by sophomore Justine Karst (Olean,NY), who had a team high 20 points, along with junior Jessica Berry (Rome,NY) and freshman Meghan Fiore (Epping,NH), who added 19 and 18 points, respectively.

UC started the first half off hot with a 13-2 run that dug Hartwick into a big hole. The Pioneers would hang onto the lead throughout the half behind Karsts' 10 first half points. UC ended the first half on a 15-4 run which culminated in a steal and lay-up by Devon Croll as she eclipsed 1,000 career points on the basket and the Pioneers went into halftime with a 44-16 lead.

The second half saw the Hawks battle back as they went on a 15-7 run to bring the score to within 20 points with five minutes remaining. The Pioneers were led in the second half by Berry, whose 15 points and eight boards helped keep the Hawks at bay as UC went on to win 89-61.

Hartwick was led by Heather Pruchansky - whose 23 points led all scorers.

The Pioneers improved to 18-5 overall and 11-3 in conference play, while the Hawks fell to 6-17 overall and 4-11 in the Empire 8. UC will look to make it four in a row as they face St. John Fisher Friday at Manning Napier Varsity Gym with an expected start time of 6 p.m.

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