Box Score Utica, NY (10/23/13)- The Utica College volleyball team lost its final home game of the season Wednesday night as it fell to visiting Sage College in non-conference action. 

The Gators downed UC in straight sets, 25-23, 25-21, 25-13 to pick up their 13th win of the year.  Helen Putriment led Sage with 15 kills on the evening.

Freshman Brandi Blaszak (Marcy, NY/Whitesboro) once again led the Pioneers with 11 kills, nine digs, and four blocks, while Lora Allen (Dolgeville, NY/Dolgeville) had 14 assists.  Senior Leah Kazalski (Greene, NY/Greene) was second on the squad with eight digs of her own.  Laura Homer-Gunther (Sauquoit, NY/Sauquoit) and Cassandra Manzer (Portcrane, NY/Chenango Valley) each had four kills, while Liz Sacco (Franklin, Mass. /Franklin), Cassi Brancato (Gloversville, NY/Mayfield), and Chelsea Lauria (Erieville, NY/Cazenovia) also helped out on the offensive end.

Before the match, the Pioneers honored their seniors in a pregame ceremony.  The five Pioneers honored included captain Liz Sacco (Franklin, Mass. /Franklin), Leah Kazalski (Greene, NY/Greene), Hayley Strife (Lowville, NY/Lowville), Cassi Brancato (Gloversville, NY/Mayfield), and Cassandra Manzer (Portcrane, NY/Chenango Valley). 

UC (8-21) heads into the final weekend of play at the Empire 8 Crossover, hosted by Nazareth College.  UC takes on Alfred University in the opening game at 6 p.m. Friday before facing St. John Fisher at 10 a.m. and Elmira College (12:30 p.m.) both on Saturday. 




                                                                        --- www.ucpioneers.com ---