Oneonta, NY – The Utica College women's volleyball team jumped out to a two set lead but eventually fell to host Hartwick College, 3-2, in Empire 8 Conference action on Tuesday night at Lambros Arena.  The Pioneers won the first two sets 25-14 and 26-24, but dropped the final three sets 25-23, 25-18 and 15-5. Utica's Brandi Blaszak (Marcy, NY/Whitesboro) led the Pioneers with nine kills, four assists and two blocks, while Abigail Mosenthin (Dolgeville, NY/Dolgeville) added six kills, 23 digs and two aces.

The Pioneers return to the hardwood on Saturday when they travel to Elmira College to take on St. John Fisher College (1:30 p.m.) and Elmira College (4 p.m.) in Empire 8 Conference play. 

Utica's Monique Fletcher (Waterford, CT/Norwich Free Academy) tallied five kills, four assists and two service aces, while Hannah Voss (St. Louis, MO/Oakville) posted 13 digs, 10 assists and two aces.  Sophomore Nicole Herringshaw (Syracuse, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) totaled a game-high five blocks, while Leah Octave (New Windsor, NY/Cornwall) added a game-high 27 digs. 

As a team the Pioneers registered 33 kills in 124 attempts for a .105 hitting percentage.