Utica, NY (10/15/14)- The Utica College volleyball team let a 1-0 lead slip away as it fell to Hamilton College, 3-1, in non-conference action Wednesday evening. 
 
The Pioneers won the first set 26-24 before falling in the next two, 25-19 and 25-21, respectively.  In the fourth set, Utica was facing a 21-14 deficit, before the Pioneers were able to rally to bring the score to 21-19.  A timeout by Hamilton killed Utica's momentum and the visitors were able to hold on to win the set and take the match, 3-1.
 
Junior Laura Homer-Gunther (Sauquoit, NY/Sauquoit) and freshman Samantha Hoerning (Farmingville, NY/Sachem East) led UC with nine kills apiece, while senior Ashley Jones (Charlton, NY/Galway) and sophomore Brandi Blaszak (Marcy, NY/Whitesboro) combined for six kills and freshman Alaina Wickwire (Towanda, PA/Towanda) tallied five kills.  Wickwire also added ten digs on the evening.  Senior Briona Enny (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury) led the team with 24 digs and Lora Allen (Dolgeville, NY/Dolgeville) had a team-best 26 assists.  Senior Chelsea Lauria (Erieville, NY/Cazenovia) was third on the team with nine digs. 
 
This weekend, the Pioneers travel to Potsdam, NY for the Clarkson Tournament. UC will take on Plattsburgh State Friday at 9 p.m. before facing SUNY Canton (10 a.m.) and Clarkson University (12 p.m.) on Saturday. 



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