Utica, NY - The Utica College women's basketball team defeated Empire 8 opponent Elmira College on the road, 65-51. Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) led the way for the Pioneers finishing with 20 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. UC has now won three games in a row and its record improves to 5-9 overall, 3-2 in the Empire 8. 

The first quarter was close throughout as the teams traded baskets. In the final 3:23 of the quarter, Elmira went on a 9-0 run in order to make the score 16-11, in favor of the Soaring Eagles. The Pioneers played strong defense in the second quarter, allowing Elmira to only score six points in the quarter. In a span of 6:30 Utica went on an 11-2 run to take a 27-20 lead with 21 seconds remaining before halftime. UC held the lead at halftime with a score of 27-22, as Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) and Ashley Mayo (Nanuet, NY/Nanuet) scored eight points each to lead the team.

The Pioneers started off the third quarter on fire as they went 6-for-6 from the field in the first four minutes, to make the score 41-29 with 6:25 left in the quarter. The teams traded baskets until UC went on a 10-2 run to close out the quarter, giving Utica a 56-40 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Elmira was not able to make a dent into the Pioneers' big lead as UC held on for the 14-point victory. 

Babb's 20 points and seven assists were both game-highs as she has now record 20+ points and seven assists in two of the last three games. Mayo was second in the game in scoring as she finished with 18 points and added four rebounds. She has reached double digits in scoring for five consecutive games now for the Pioneers. Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) recorded her first double double of the season in the contest, as she finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Rachel Hunter (West Islip, NY/West Islip) also scored in double digits for the team as she registered 10 points and four rebounds. UC out-rebounded Elmira 40-28 in the game and shot their best field goal percentage of the season at 47.1%.

Elmira's leading scorer in the game was Danielle Cleary, as she finished with 14 points and nine boards. Lindsey Heaton added 13 points of her own while Rachel Vespucci recorded a double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Soaring Eagles drop to 3-8 overall this season and are now 0-3 in Empire 8 competition. 

The Pioneers will return to action on Tuesday, as they host Empire 8 opponent St. John Fisher College (4-8 overall, 1-2 E8). The game is scheduled to tip-off at 6 p.m.