Box Score NORTH ADAMS, MA - The Utica University women's basketball team beat Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 66-48 on Thursday night. The win continues Utica's flawless season as the team is now 4-0.
 
Utica did a great job at getting the majority of the team involved tonight as nine players scored including four in double figures. Haley Burchhardt (Schenectady, NY/Shalmont) had the best game of her young career as she posted 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four steals. The freshman was getting it done in all aspects, yet most importantly was getting the offense set up and her teammates involved. Krissy Geraci (Rochester, NY/Greece Arcadia) turned in another stellar performance as she posted a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds and shot an efficient 5-7 from the field.
 
Petrina DeMarco (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) stuffed the stat sheet as usual recording 11 points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals during the contest. DeMarco continues to be able to stretch the floor as she went 3-5 from behind the arc and is able to dissect the defense. Veteran Kimberly Soriano (Queens, NY/Monsignor McClancy Memorial) added seven points, six rebounds, and three assists and continues to make plays for the Pioneers.
 
The Pioneers continued to outrebound opponents as they collected 48 to MCLA's 31. These rebounds have been crucial as they set up the team for second chance points which has helped Utica gain large leads so far this season. The biggest factor in the game was Utica's ability to score in the paint as the team posted 32 points down low and was running its offense through the posts.
 
MCLA started off the game 2-0 for its own lead of the contest before Utica started to get its offense rolling. The starters for the Pioneers were able to keep MCLA off the board and create good looks for Utica as the team led 13-4 with over three minutes to play in the frame. The team was able to turn defense into offense and led 21-11 at the end of the first quarter.
 
To begin the second frame, veterans DeMarco and Soriano were able to find open teammates and help Utica build its lead. A pair of Hope Halvarson (Cranston, RI/Cranston East) three pointers and relentless defense had the Pioneers up 29-13 halfway through the quarter. A pair of steals by DeMarco aided Utica in taking a 36-23 edge into the half.
 
MCLA came out firing as the team had suddenly cut the lead to just 38-30, yet Utica would respond. Geraci started to elevate her play, forcing a steal and getting to the free throw line. She then grabbed a trio of rebounds and helped the Pioneers push the ball up the court to increase the lead back to 11. MCLA would not go away as Utica led 47-35 at the end of three quarters of play.
 
The Pioneer defense continued its excellence as the team did not allow a point for the first two and a half minutes of the fourth quarter. Geraci and DeMarco hit a few key shots to help Utica extend its lead to 58-39 with just over five minutes left to play. A three-pointer from DeMarco and Burchhardt helped seal the deal and Utica held on to win 66-48.
 
Utica (4-0, 0-0 Empire 8) will head to face crosstown rivals SUNY Poly on Tuesday, November 29 at 5 p.m.