Houghton, NY – The Utica College women's basketball team fell to Houghton, Friday night, by a score of 65-51. The Pioneers drop to 6-9 overall and are now 2-4 in conference play so far this season.
 
In the first three minutes of the game, UC went on a 5-0 run to take a quick lead. The Highlanders would answer with a 9-2 run of their own, earning a 15-9 advantage with 1:43 left in the first quarter. Houghton held a 17-12 lead heading into the second period of play. The teams went back and forth before a jumper by freshman Brigid Johndrow (Bristol, CT/St. Paul Catholic) gave the Pioneers a 25-24 lead with 2:58 remaining before halftime. Houghton would end the half on a 6-1 run, holding a four-point edge over UC going into the mid-game break.
 
Houghton would take a 38-30 lead, thanks to three consecutive baskets by Amber Edwards, with 6:59 on the clock in the third quarter. A 2-for-2 trip at the foul line for Coralynn Maxwell (Newport, NY/West Canada Valley) cut the Highlander lead to just two points with 2:52 remaining before the fourth. Houghton would head into the final period of play with a 44-38 advantage. A big 3-point basket by Ashley Mayo (Bronx, NY/Nanuet) kept the game close in the final five minutes, as UC trailed by five points. The Highlanders shot 9-for-10 at the free throw line in the final two minutes of the contest to secure the 14-point victory.
 
Briannah Florian (Fort Plain, NY/Fort Plain) tied her season-high of 17 points, leading Utica in scoring in the loss. Ashley Mayo (Bronx, NY/Nanuet) reached double-digits for the 13th straight game, finishing with 10 points and six rebounds. Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) recorded nine points and five boards, while Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) tallied six points and seven assists.
 
Houghton was led by Laurie Call's 12 points and eight rebounds in the contest. Leslie Moose notched a double-double, coming away with 10 points and 10 boards. Madison Detwiler and Amber Edwards both reached double-digits in scoring off the bench, pouring in 11 and 10 respectively. The Highlanders improve to 9-7 overall and 5-2 in E8 play this season.
 
The Pioneers are back on the court tomorrow, as they matchup with the Saxons from Alfred University. The game tips-off at 4 p.m.