Utica, NY – The Utica College women's basketball team lost at home on Thursday to Empire 8 opponent Hartwick College, 62-52. Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) recorded a career-high of 10 assists in the game to go along with her eight points. The Pioneers are now 2-9 overall this season and 0-2 so far in conference play.
 
The first quarter was competitive throughout as the teams traded baskets. Ashley Mayo (Nanuet, NY/Nanuet) finished the quarter with eight points. The Pioneers earned themselves a 17-15 lead heading into the second quarter. Hartwick took the lead in the second quarter as UC struggled to score. The Hawks outscored Utica 14-4 in the second quarter, as they went into halftime with a 29-21 lead. Mayo led the team with 10 points going into the locker room.
 
After trading baskets at the beginning of the third quarter, Hartwick went on an 8-4 run over the span of 4:46 to take a 39-27 lead with 4:04 left in the period. Nicolette Conkin (Los Altos, CA/Homestead) hit a 3-point shot as time ran out to cut Hartwick's lead to 10 points going into the final quarter. The Hawks started the fourth quarter with a 10-4 run in 2:54 to make the score 53-37, with seven minutes remaining in the game. Two 3-point baskets from Conkin sparked an 8-0 run for the Pioneers in just 2:26, cutting Hartwick's lead down to eight points with only 3:44 left to play. The Hawks were able to hold the lead down the stretch, earning the 10 point victory.
 
Mayo led the team in scoring, as she finished with 15 points and had three steals. Conkin scored all 12 of her points in the second half, making four 3-point shots. Babb did a little of everything as she finished with 10 assists, eight points, five rebounds, and four steals. Maggie Tabone (Rochester, NY/Churchville-Chili) led the team with a total of six rebounds in the contest.
 
Hartwick (5-5, 2-0 Empire 8) was led by Jacqui Foreman as she notched a double double, with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Caitlin Corbett made five 3-point shots on her way to scoring 19 points in the contest.
 
The Pioneers will be back on the court on January 10^th, as they host Alfred University for another conference matchup. The game is scheduled to start at 3 p.m.