UTICA, NY – The Utica College women's basketball team lost a close one 69-61 at home against Empire 8 Conference opponent Stevens. Mary Miceli (New Rochelle, NY/New Rochelle) had a game high 19 points including a game high four 3-pointers while freshman Rachel Hunter (West Islip, NY/West Islip) chipped in 15 points and a team high six rebounds.
 
Utica's record moved to 8-15 overall and 3-11 in conference play. The Pioneers return to action on Friday (2/19/16) as they travel to Ithaca for an 8 p.m. Empire 8 matchup. The team plays their final regular season game on Saturday (2/20/16) as the play Nazareth on the road at 4 p.m.
 
UC used a 23-18 third quarter run to draw within seven points after being down 34-22 at halftime. The Ducks would outscore Utica 17-16 in the fourth quarter and score the final four points of the game to secure the eight-point victory.
 
Stevens had a 40-28 points in the paint advantage as well as a 12-4 advantage in second chance points. The Pioneers had a 19-11 points off of turnovers advantage and Utica's bench outscored the Ducks bench 29-19.
 
The Ducks had three players with 10 or more points and were lead by Kaitlyn Astel who had 17 points. Miranda Ripkin was second on the team with 15 points.
 
Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) was the only other Pioneer to score in double-digits putting up 10 points on the night. Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) and Ashley Mayo (Nanuet, NY/Nanuet) added six and four points respectively.