Utica, NY – The Utica College women's basketball team fell to Empire 8 opponent Ithaca College at home on Tuesday, 79-63. The Pioneers drop to 6-18 overall and 4-11 in conference play.
 
Ithaca was able to jump out to an early 8-4 lead just two minutes into the first quarter. The Bombers were able to keep a steady lead throughout the quarter. In the early going of the second quarter Ithaca went on a 10-2 run in just 2:24 to take a 30-17 lead with 6:40 remaining before halftime. In the final 2:15 in the first half, the visiting team outscored UC 6-0, to enter halftime with a 42-24 lead. Rachel Hunter (West Islip, NY/West Islip) led the Pioneers in scoring with eight points on 4-for-6 shooting from the field.
 
The Bombers were able to extend their lead to as much as 23 points in the third quarter, remaining in control of the game. The Pioneers went on an 8-0 run in the span of just 59 seconds late in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to 16 points with 1:24 remaining in the game. Ithaca was able to hold on to their lead, earning a 16-point victory.
 
Hunter finished with 17 points in the game on 8-for-11 shooting from the floor. Ashley Mayo (Nanuet, NY/Nanuet) scored 17 points to go with her six assists, six rebounds, and three steals. Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) contributed with 13 points, seven rebounds and four steals on the defensive end. Calypso Carty (Pipersville, PA/Central Bucks West) came off the bench and added 12 points for the team.
 
The Bombers (21-3 overall, 13-2 E8) were led in scoring by Ali Ricchiuti and Jordan Beers who both scored 16 points in the game. Julie Yacovoni added 15 points over own to go with her five assists in the contest. Ithaca outscored UC in the paint, 42-26, and recorded a shooting percentage of 53%.
 
The Pioneers will be back at home on Saturday for their final game of the season. The team will be facing Elmira College on Senior Day, as the game is set to start at 2 p.m.