Utica, NY – The Utica College women's basketball team faced cross-town rival SUNY Poly on the road Saturday. The Pioneers fell to the Wildcats, 67-55, as they drop to 3-4 on the season.
 
The first quarter was closely contested, as the scoreboard read 11-11, heading into the second period of play. UC went on a 7-0 run in just 51 seconds to take an 18-14 lead with 6:13 before halftime. However, the Wildcats were able to tie the score back up at 27-27, heading into the halftime break.
 
In the span of less than three minutes, SUNY Poly went on a 12-4 run and took a 46-34 lead with 4:02 remaining in the third. Utica entered the fourth quarter trailing by eight points. The Pioneers kept themselves within striking range, cutting SUNY Poly's lead to just seven with 2:21 left on the clock. The Wildcat's were able to hang on for the 12-point victory, thanks to some strong free throw shooting down the stretch.
 
Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) finished with a team-high 18 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field and made three steals. Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) posted her second double-double of the season, racking up 10 points and and a game-high 12 boards. Ashley Mayo (Bronx, NY/Nanuet) recorded 12 points, three assists, and six rebounds in the contest.
 
SUNY Poly was led by Khristaijah Jackson's double-double, finishing with 15 points (7-for-10 FG), 11 rebounds, and three blocks. Rylie Smith was hot coming off the bench, contributing 18 points on a 6-for-10 effort from beyond the 3-point arc. Kiersten Leos recorded a stat line of 18 points, five rebounds, and three steals. The Wildcats improve to 5-2 so far this season.
 
The Pioneers return to action on December 16th, as they play host to the Morrisville State Mustangs. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 2 p.m.