Utica, NY – The Utica College women's basketball team beat Empire 8 opponent Elmira, 62-53. The Pioneers jump to 6-7 overall and are now 2-2 in conference play.
 
With six minutes left in the first quarter, UC finished off an 8-0 run to take a 9-4 lead. Some solid free throw shooting from Elmira kept the game close, as the Pioneers led by four points heading into the second quarter. Utica put together an 8-2 run in just 2:26, earning a 28-18 lead with 3:35 remaining before halftime. UC went to the locker room holding a 10-point advantage over Elmira.
 
The Soaring Eagles fired back in the third quarter, going on an 11-2 run as they cut Utica's lead to just two points. Four straight makes at the free throw line allowed the Pioneers to hold a 44-41 lead going into the final period of play. Elmira was able to make it a two-point game with 2:16 left on the clock. However, solid defense and critical makes at the foul line secured UC the nine-point win.
 
Freshman Brigid Johndrow (Bristol, CT/St. Paul Catholic) recorded a career-high 12 points in the contest, as she shot 4-for-4 from the charity stripe. Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) also scored 12 points to go with her seven rebounds in the win. Ashley Mayo (Bronx, NY/Nanuet) tallied 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while teammate Briannah Florian (Fort Plain, NY/Fort Plain) poured in 10 points.
 
Emily Green was the leading scorer for Elmira, finishing with 15 points. Sally Hogan ended the game with 10 points and eight boards in the loss. Lindsey Heaton earned a stat line of eight points, 10 boards, and six assists for the Soaring Eagles. The team drops to 8-6 overall and 0-5 in the Empire 8.
 
The Pioneers are back at home again on Tuesday, as they matchup with Sage. This E8 competition is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.