Utica, NY – The Utica College women's basketball team is set for another road trip this weekend for Empire 8 matchups with Alfred and Houghton. Friday's game at Alfred begins at 5:30 p.m. before UC takes on Houghton Saturday at 2 p.m.
 
Last Time Out: In Utica's last contest the team fell on the road to Stevens, 53-44, for its first conference loss of the season (6-5 overall, 1-1 E8). A big third quarter push by the Ducks made the difference in the game as they did not give up their lead once after seizing control. Sydney Przygoda (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) recorded her sixth consecutive double-double on 15 points and a career-high 20 rebounds. Nicolette Conkin (Los Altos, CA/Homestead) was the only other Pioneer to reach double figures, pouring in 15 points.
 
Over the Hump: UC has passed the halfway mark of its current seven game road trip, as only three games remain on the schedule before being back on the home court. This weekend's pair of contests has Utica heading to Alfred and Houghton. After these two games, only a trip to Hartwick on January 15^th stands between the Pioneers and a five game home stand.
 
Przygoda's Rebounding: Freshman Sydney Przygoda (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) has been sensational so far this season, leading the team in scoring and rebounding with averages of 14.3 points and 13.8 boards per game. She has now grabbed double-digit rebounds in 10 straight games and posted six consecutive double-doubles. Needing a minimum of five games to qualify, Przygoda's 13.8 rebounds per game has her atop the record books for highest rebounding average in a career in program history. With plenty of games to play this season and in her career, keep an eye out for Przygoda and her potentially historic rebounding pace.
 
Finding the Range: Nicolette Conkin (Los Altos, CA/Homestead) has begun to get in a rhythm from beyond the 3-point arc over the past three games. Through the team's first eight games she shot 7-for-32 from long range, but has turned it around and shot 7-for-16 combined in the last three. Conkin has hit three shots from 3-point territory in back-to-back contests, as she ranks second on the team in scoring with an average of 11.5 points per game.
 
Scouting Alfred: The Saxons were on the road to open up conference play Tuesday against Houghton. Alfred's record went to 4-6 overall and 0-1 in E8 play after losing to Houghton, 86-68. Jamie Wilcox and Katlyn Boland combined for 35 points, while teammate Bri Hicks notched a double-double on 10 points and 11 rebounds. Wilcox is the team's leading scorer heading into the matchup, as she averages 15.9 points per game so far this season. The Saxons are heading into the weekend after losing two straight games.
 
Scouting Houghton: The Highlanders are 8-4 overall on the season and are 1-2 in the conference after getting their first E8 win against Alfred on Tuesday. Five players scored in double figures for Houghton in the win. Cori Beck and Madison Detwiler each had 13 points, while Hannah Cybart, Emily Swanson, and Brittany Lenart all reach double-digits as well. Houghton is 5-1 at home this year going into the weekend.
 
Looking Ahead: The Pioneers will play their last match of the seven game road trip next week, as they travel to take on Hartwick on Tuesday. This Empire 8 matchup is scheduled to tip-off at 5:30 p.m.