UTICA, NY - The Utica College volleyball team saw its Spring 2021 season come to a close on Tuesday. The sixth-seeded Pioneers dropped a straight set match to third-seeded Nazareth by scores of 25-8, 25-14, and 25-13 in an Empire 8 tournament opening round match in Rochester, NY.

The Pioneers complete their season at 1-4, and a 1-3 regular season conference record. Naz improves to 5-2.

Eleanor Cepiel (West Sand Lake, NY/Academy of Holy Names) had a balanced evening statistically to lead the Pioneers. The sophomore had seven kills, a block, and four digs on the night. Hannah Johnson (Murfreesboro, TN/Blackman) set a total of eight assists and also tacked on a service ace. Senior Briana Toledo (Ardsley, NY/Ardsley) had five digs in her final collegiate match, and Meaghan Romaguera (Stone Ridge, NY/Rondout) posted two kills and two assists. Rookie Madison Maggiore (Orangeburg, NY/Tappan Zee) tacked on five assists and a service ace. Julyanna Sauschuk and Brianna Woods (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) finished the night with three kills each.

Host Nazareth got 10 kills by way of Olivia Quick, and Kelly Taylor had 21 assists. The hosts had a 41.4 percent attack percentage in their win tonight.

The Pioneers made their first conference tournament appearance since 2002.