Rochester, NY – The Utica College women's basketball team played Nazareth on the road Friday night, losing with the final score reading 71-43. UC's record now stands at 7-10 overall and 3-5 against Empire 8 opponents.
 
The Golden Flyers took control of the game early on, holding a 16-3 lead at the end of the first quarter. Utica found some offense in the second, going on a quick 6-0 run in just 1:10 to cut Nazareth's lead to 13 points. Naz closed out the half on an 8-1 run in the final 2:43, seizing a 35-15 lead going into halftime.
 
The Pioneers put together a better performance in the second half but were unable to cut into the Golden Flyer's big lead. Nazareth improved to 8-9 overall and 4-4 in Empire 8 play, coasting to a 28-point win.
 
Ashley Mayo (Bronx, NY/Nanuet) led UC with 11 points in the contest, with six of her points coming at the charity stripe. Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) recorded eight points, seven boards, and four steals in her efforts. Brigid Johndrow (Bristol, CT/St. Paul Catholic) scored six points, while Nicolette Conkin (Los Altos, CA/Homestead) tallied six points and five rebounds off the bench.
 
Rachel Benedict had a big game for Naz, coming away with a double-double on 22 points and 18 rebounds. Samantha Peebles finished with 10 points and 11 boards, also earning a double-double. Kristen Simmons added eight points and six assists coming off the bench.
 
The Pioneers return to action on Saturday, as they matchup with St. John Fisher on the road. This E8 contest is set to begin at 4 p.m.