Utica, NY – The Utica College women's basketball team opened up its 2015-16 campaign with an impressive 26 point win Saturday over visiting SUNY Potsdam at the Clark Athletic Center.  The Pioneers were led by Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) who tallied a game-high with 18 points and six steals.

Utica (1-0) has now won its season opener against Potsdam (0-1) in seven of the last eight seasons.

UC jumped out to a quick 24-7 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) scored seven of her 12 points in the stretch to help the Pioneers push to a 14 point first quarter lead.  UC continued its momentum into the second quarter, outscoring the Bears 21-14 and moving to a convincing 45-21 lead at the break.

Potsdam fought hard in the second half, but could not overcome the big first half deficit as it lost by 26 points to the Pioneers.

UC's Mary Miceli (New Rochelle, NY/New Rochelle) added 13 points, two rebounds and two steals while Christy Traglia (Mohawk, NY/Mohawk) and freshman Rachel Hunter (West Islip, NY/West Islip) combined for 12 points and 13 boards in the win. Alisha Kelly (Ambler, PA/Wissahickon) added five points in her collegiate debut, while Emily Pinckney (Canton, NY/Hugh C. Williams) and Maggie Tabone (Rochester, NY/Churchville-Chili) combined for seven points for Utica.  Ashley Mayo (Nanuet, NY/Nanuet) and Calypso Carty (Pipersville, PA/Central Bucks West) combined for five points and six rebounds for the Pioneers.

Potsdam was led by Secret Clark who tallied 14 points.

UC returns to the court Thursday as it welcomes RPI to the Clark Athletic Center for a 6 p.m. tip.