UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team rolled past SUNY Delhi 89-30 during the team's home opener on Wednesday night.
 
It was another terrific night for Utica as the team was able to force 34 turnovers and shoot effectively from the field as its offense was drawing up fantastic plays. The Pioneers scored 32 points off 34 turnovers including 21 fast break points. The biggest difference may have been Utica outrebounding Delhi 61-34. Another key factor was Utica outscoring Delhi 55-2 in bench points as the entire team contributed. 
 
The Pioneers had three players score in double figures and Karlee Nims (Hartford, NY/Hartford) led the team with a career-high 20 points on 8-9 shooting from the field. Haley Burchhardt (Schenectady, NY/Shalmont) scored 14 points and Petrina DeMarco (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) scored 10 on an efficient 4-6 from the field including 2-3 from beyond the arc. Nims was also able to haul in a whopping 14 rebounds which led the team and was her first career double-double in just her third career game. Her nine offensive rebounds helped aid the team in being able to reset the offense and score second-chance points. Utica had 19 steals as Sierra Kinne (Verona, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill), Kimberly Soriano (Queens, NY/Monsignor McClancy Memorial), and Julianna Beaulieu (Southwick, MA/Chicopee Comprehensive) all recorded three or more. 
 
Utica jumped out to an 8-4 edge fueled by three-pointers from Burchhardt and DeMarco. The offense shot 33.33 percent from beyond the arc in the quarter as DeMarco nailed two three-pointers. Meanwhile, down low Nims was just getting her scoring started with five first quarter points and a few rebounds. Utica's physical defense was able to force a few turnovers and take a 17-10 lead into the start of the second quarter.
 
Utica had a strong second frame to take a 40-24 advantage into halftime. The defense started to create even more pressure and Delhi struggled to get the ball past half-court as the Pioneers were relentless. Beaulieu's pressure resulted in four points including a nice steal and finish down the court. Utica also started to open the playbook and move the ball around very effectively and create opportunities down low including a nifty Kelsey Carter (Shamong, NJ/Seneca) and-one.
 
The Pioneers did not let off the gas as the team continued its swarming defense creating havoc in the backcourt for the Broncos. Utica held Delhi to just one made shot on 14 attempts including 0-6 from beyond the arc. Nims had a phenomenal quarter with eight points and five rebounds including scoring the team's final three baskets of the frame. Utica took a 65-26 edge into the final quarter of play.
 
Utica continued its relentless defense and continued to set up its offense with ease. The entire team was contributing to the offense as eight players scored including Sierra Kinne (Verona, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill), Sarah Hovey (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro), and Emma Puleri (Lee, MA/Lee Middle and High School). Puleri was facilitating and recorded three assists in just six minutes of play. The Pioneers shot a ridiculous 49.9 percent from the field in the second half while holding Delhi to 8.57 percent on 24 shots.
 
Utica (3-0, 0-0 Empire 8) will head to face Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts on Thursday, November 17 at 6 p.m.