Box Score HOBOKEN, NJ (1/3/2014) – The Stevens Institute of Technology women's basketball team used a 20-6 run to open the second half to defeat visiting Utica College, 62-52, in the Empire 8 Conference opener for both teams at Canavan Arena Friday night. UC's Samantha Stayer (Allegany, NY/Allegany-Limestone) netted 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for her first double-double of the season off the bench, while freshman Kelsey Cowell (Schenectady, NY/Mohonasen) chipped in with nine points and ten rebounds.

The Pioneers, who return to the hardwood on Saturday at Hartwick College (5 p.m.), have now lost two in a row and dropped to 4-5 overall on the season. Stevens returned from a one month break to win their fifth game in six tries as the Ducks improved to 6-2 overall on the season.

UC's Mary Miceli (New Rochelle, NY/New Rochelle) netted a game-high 15 points for the Pioneers, while Bridget Greenwald (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) added 13 rebounds.

UC was held to 16-for-63 shooting from the floor, including a 4-for-24 effort from behind the 3-point line. Utica's shooting woes were prevalent in the second half, as the Pioneers connected on 6-of-29 shooting from the floor.

Four players scored in double figures for the Ducks, including Kaitlyn Astel (12), Erica Guketlov (12), Avis Benjamin (11) and Miranda Ripken (10).

After the Pioneers closed out the first half with a 32-31 lead over the Ducks, Stevens came out of the locker room and put the contest away over an 8:24 span in the second half with the 20-6 run. During the run, senior Avis Benjamin and sophomore Miranda Ripken combined for 11 points. Ripken netted six of her 10 points during the run and Benjamin notched five of her 11.

The Ducks also forced 24 turnovers and scored 20 points off those giveaways. Utica did, however, outrebound Stevens, 55-46, with 23 coming on the offensive end, but only managed 24 points in the paint.

The Ducks are back home tomorrow at 5 p.m. against nationally ranked No. 18 Ithaca College in Hoboken.