Utica, NY – The Utica College women's basketball team faced Stevens at home on Saturday for Senior Night. UC lost in overtime, 61-60, as the team ends the season 9-16 overall and 5-11 against Empire 8 opponents.
 
Prior to the start of play, a ceremony recognizing this year's seniors took place. Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop), Ashley Mayo (Bronx, NY/Nanuet), Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah), Emily Pinckney (Canton, NY/Hugh C. Williams), and Maggie Tabone (Rochester, NY/Churchville-Chili) all played and started in the final game of their collegiate careers.
 
The Pioneers earned an early advantage, as two quick baskets by Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) gave the team a 10-4 lead with 2:43 left in the first quarter. A late 3-point shot by Brigid Johndrow (Bristol, CT/St. Paul Catholic) pushed Utica's lead to eight points heading into the second period of play. UC was able to stretch its lead to 13 points with 2:01 remaining until halftime. A late 3-point play from Ashley Mayo (Bronx, NY/Nanuet) earned the team a 29-13 edge heading into the mid-game break.
 
A Stevens' 10-2 run in the first 3:27 of the third quarter, cut Utica's lead down to eight points. The Pioneers would go on to outscore the Ducks, 10-0, in the final three minutes of the third quarter to hold a 44-31 lead going into the fourth. Stevens quickly got within striking range, trailing by only four points with 6:38 left in regulation. The game tightened up down the stretch, as the score was tied 47-47 with 1:10 remaining. Baskets by both teams in the final minute of the fourth kept the game tied as time ran out, as the contest went to overtime. Senior Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) tied the game up at 56-56 with just 39 seconds left to play, after hitting a clutch 3-point shot. With less than 10 seconds left, the Ducks stole the ball with enough time for Megan Brown to score the game-winning layup. Stevens walked away with the one-point victory in overtime.
 
Ashley Mayo (Bronx, NY/Nanuet) posted a double-double, on 12 points and 11 rebounds. Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) grabbed eight boards to go with her game-high of 17 points. Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) finished with 10 points, six assists, and four steals in the loss.
 
Stevens was led by Megan Brown's 15 point, 15 rebound double-double in the win. Maddi Hahn poured in 12 points, while Alison Criswell finished with 11 points and seven rebounds. The Ducks end the regular season with a record of 13-12 overall and 10-6 in E8 play, as they will go on to compete in the Empire 8 Tournament next weekend.
 
The Pioneers' season comes to an end, as they did not qualify for the conference tournament.