TROY, NY - Backed by four players with double-figures in points, the Utica University women's basketball team defeated Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 70-61 on Wednesday night for the team's first win of its 2022-23 campaign.
 
Utica's entire team contributed tonight as Krissy Geraci (Rochester, NY/Greece Arcadia) led the team with 18 points and was followed by Madelyn Cozzens (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa), Kimberly Soriano (Queens, NY/Monsignor McClancy Memorial), and Petrina DeMarco (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro), who all finished in double figures. Cozzens showed out in her first collegiate game as she paced the team in rebounds with nine and recorded a block and steal along with 13 points, coming up one board shy of her first career double-double. 
 
Soriano and DeMarco were consistent producers throughout the night as they filled the stat sheet across the board. Both scored double-digit points and accumulated at least five rebounds and two assists each. Freshman Cristina Negron (Easthampton, MA/Williston Northampton) started her collegiate career on the right foot going 3-for-5 from the field while forcing two steals over seven minutes.
 
The Pioneers started off hot with an 11-4 lead as Geraci totaled four points and two assists during the opening run. The offensive run was fueled by Geraci as she was scoring at will while getting teammates involved. DeMarco recorded two assists and Haley Burchhardt (Schenectady, NY/Shalmont) grabbed two rebounds and recorded a block through one quarter. The Pioneers led for the entire opening 10 minutes as Geraci paced the team with eight points as the Pioneers held an 18-12 lead through the end of the first frame.
 
RPI cut the lead to 18-15 after a quick three-pointer before Soriano hit a high arching shot from behind the arc off DeMarco's third assist to put Utica ahead 23-15. Negron came in shooting well off the bench and recorded six points and two steals during the second quarter. Negron was a factor on both sides of the ball and helped Utica jump out to a 34-26 edge entering the half. The Pioneers played great during the second frame and had eight points off the team's four turnovers including its bench outscoring RPI 10-4 in the quarter which helped Utica build its lead.
 
The duo of Geraci and DeMarco helped Utica score on its first two attempts in the second half. Cozzens sparked a fantastic quarter for the team as she totaled four points and rebounds during the third. DeMarco set up the team's offense and tallied three points throughout the frame. Soriano was also a catalyst for the Pioneers, ending the frame up 52-47.
 
Burchhardt and Cozzens continued their strong play entering the final quarter and led the team to a 59-50 edge with eight minutes left in the game. RPI's offense started to click as the team chipped away at the Utica lead as the game was 62-58 with under four minutes left to play. DeMarco was able to draw a few fouls and get to the free throw line multiple times. Cozzens knocked down two clutch free throws to help Utica increase its lead late. The Pioneer defense was strong down the stretch and its ability to close out on RPI's shots helped them hold on and win the game 70-61.
 
Utica (1-0, 0-0 Empire 8) will remain on the road to start the season as the team travels to Alfred State College on Monday, November 14 at 5:30 p.m.