UTICA, NY -- Three Pioneers scored in double-figures but it was not enough as the Alfred University women's basketball team defeated host Utica College 72-63 in Empire 8 Conference action on Friday night. UC's Nicolette Conkin (Los Altos, CA/Homestead) led the way with 22 points for the Pioneers.  

Briannah Florian (Fort Plain, NY/Fort Plain) netted 12 of her season-high 18 points in the second half to help the Pioneers keep pace with the high scoring Saxons. Florian also matched her season-best with 11 rebounds. E8 Rookie of the Year candidate Sydney Przygoda (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) added her 14th double-double of the season, as she posted 12 points and 11 boards, and she is now averaging 14.3 points and 12.2 rebounds per contest this season. 

UC's record moved to 7-16 overall and 2-12 in the Empire 8. Alfred improved to 8-15 overall and 4-10 in conference play as the Saxons completed the season sweep of the Pioneers. 

Utica fell into a 17-9 hole in the first quarter, but battled back by outscoring the visitors 21-16 in the second quarter, as the Pioneers trailed by just three points (33-30) at the half. Conkin led the Pioneers with 10 points in the first half. 

UC made its presence felt after the half, and mounted its largest lead of the contest (five points), at the 6:37 ledger of the third quarter. Both teams registered 19 points in the third quarter and the Pioneers trailed by a slim three-point margin headed into the final 10 minutes of action.  The visiting Saxons put the pressure on in the fourth quarter, outscoring Utica 20-14 in the stretch, to hang on for the nine point victory. 

Four players scored in double-figures for Alfred, including Jamie Wilcox, who netted a game-high 15 points. Bri Hicks (12 points), Allison O'Toole (12 points) and Chanice Battle (11 points) each broke double-figures off the bench for the visitors. Alfred's bench may have been the difference in the contest as it outscored UC's bench 35-8. 

UC has two games remaining on its schedule this season, beginning with senior day against Houghton College on Saturday at 3 p.m. UC will then cap its 2018-19 campaign next Tuesday at home against Elmira College.