Elmira, NY – The Utica College women's basketball team was on the road Saturday, as it matched up against the Soaring Eagles of Elmira. The Pioneers lost, 63-49, as their record now sits at 8-15 overall and 4-10 in conference play.
It was all UC in the first quarter, as the team jumped out to a 12-3 lead early in the game. Back-to-back 3-point shots from
Ashley Mayo (Bronx, NY/Nanuet) and
Jeslyn Files (Weedsport, NY/Weedsport) stretched the Utica lead to 11 points heading into the second quarter. Elmira came back quickly in the second, with three consecutive baskets from long range which cut the deficit to just two points with 5:48 until halftime.
Kimberly Soriano (Queens, NY/Monsignor McClancey Memorial) scored nine straight points on three shots in a row from beyond the arc to secure a 31-30 Pioneer lead at halftime.
Elmira began to turn the corner in the third quarter, as a 7-0 run gave the team a 39-33 lead.
Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) made two free throws in the final moments of the period, as UC trailed by seven points heading into the final quarter. The Soaring Eagles would extend their lead to as many as 18 points in the fourth, as they coasted to a 14-point victory.
Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) neared a double-double in the contest, as she finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Kimberly Soriano (Queens, NY/Monsignor McClancey Memorial) shot 3-for-6 from behind the 3-point arc, tying her career-high of nine points off the bench.
Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) recorded seven points and six boards, while
Ashley Mayo (Bronx, NY/Nanuet) poured in nine points.
Elmira had four players score double-digit points, with Danielle Cleary's 16 points, nine rebounds, and five assists leading the way. Lindsey Heaton posted 14 points and seven assists, while Emily Green tallied 13 points. Rachel Vespucci added 12 points and eight boards, as the Soaring Eagles are now 13-9 overall and 5-8 in E8 play.
The Pioneers return home on Friday, as they play host to Alfred University. This conference matchup is scheduled to tip-off at 8 p.m.