UTICA, NY- The Utica College women's basketball team outscored Morrisville State 38-31 in the second half en route to a 77-69 victory over the Mustangs in non-conference action Saturday afternoon at the Clark Gymnasium. 
 
Morrisville jumped out to a 9-1 lead in the first 2:26 of play and led by as much as 13 in the first quarter before the Pioneers were able to battle back to trail 19-14 after 10 minutes of play.
 
Leading 39-38 at halftime, the Pioneers came out of the locker room flying as UC outscored Morrisville 8-2 in the first two minutes of the second half, thanks in part to six points from senior Ashley Mayo (Bronx, NY/Nanuet).  Utica carried the majority of the play over the next 18 minutes to come away with the victory.
 
Four Pioneers finished with at least ten points, led by senior Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop), who netted a game-high 23 points and added eight assists.  Classmate Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) finished with 14 points, followed by Mayo with 12.  Freshman Jeslyn Files (Weedsport, NY/Weedsport) posted a career-high 10 points and junior Briannah Florian (Fort Plain, NY/Fort Plain) led UC with 10 rebounds, including five off the offensive glass, and she also chipped in with nine points of her own. 
 
Brigid Johndrow (Bristol, CT/St. Paul Catholic), Nicolette Conkin (Los Altos, CA/Homestead), and Coralynn Maxwell (Newport, NY/West Canada Valley) also scored for the Pioneers.
 
With the win, Utica improves to 4-4 overall and remains unbeaten at home this season.  The Mustangs, meanwhile drop to 4-6.  UC will enjoy a two-week break before returning home to take on Union College on Saturday, Dec. 30.  Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.