UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball found itself in full control all night as the team routed Wells College 108-34 on Thursday night. The win improves the Pioneers to 6-2 to begin the season. Double-doubles by Hannah Stack (Dolgeville, NY/Dolgeville) and Madelyn Cozzens (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) helped fuel the blowout win while Pioneers saw contributions from the entire unit. 
 
Utica started the first quarter up 11-4 as Petrina DeMarco (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) led the charge with five points and one assist. The Pioneers continued to score as buckets by Haley Burchhardt (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) and Hannah Stack (Dolgeville, NY/Dolgeville) put the Pioneers up 18-10 nearing the end of the frame. A layup by Madelyn Cozzens (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) helped Utica end the first up 20-10.
 
To begin the second, the Pioneers continued to attack the paint and create open shots. Yet, Utica's defense would be relentless and wreak havoc on the Express as they had trouble getting the ball across half-court. Halfway through the frame, Utica held a 34-12 advantage and allowed only one basket thus far through the second quarter. The defensive pressure created plenty of fast break chances for the Pioneers and aided them in taking a 51-23 lead into the half.
 
Utica continued to score at will, and many players contributed to the team's success. The duo of Burchhardt and Kimberly Soriano (Queens, NY/Monsignor McClancy Memorial) combined for eight points within the first few minutes of the third quarter. Cristina Negron (Easthampton, MA/Williston Northampton) played valuable minutes off the bench and dished out assists while recording five points in the quarter. Utica took a 77-27 advantage into the final frame after allowing just four points.
 
Julianna Beaulieu (Southwick, MA/Chicopee Comprehensive) played terrific defense in the fourth quarter and tallied multiple steals while setting up her teammates on the fast break opportunities. Sarah Hovey (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) had a phenomenal fourth quarter dropping 10 points and collecting three rebounds. Emma Puleri (Lee, MA/Lee Middle and High School) knocked down a pair of triples in the fourth quarter and helped spread the ball down low for Utica, while Hannah Stack (Dolgeville, NY/Dolgeville) recorded six points in the quarter. The Pioneers won the game 108-34, allowing just 11 points in the second half.
 
Utica's offense was lights out shooting 50 percent from the field and 45 percent from beyond the arc. The Pioneers' defense led to 38 points off turnovers and 11 fast break points. The entire team contributed as Utica racked up an outstanding 66 bench points and got everyone involved in the offense.
 
Hannah Stack (Dolgeville, NY/Dolgeville) dropped a double-double and led the Pioneers in scoring with 19 points paired with 10 rebounds and three steals. Madelyn Cozzens (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) recorded her first career double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in just 17 minutes. Soriano continued her red-hot start to the season, pouring in 12 points and collecting seven boards in just 22 minutes. Burchhardt continues to fill the stat sheet as she recorded eight points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. It is her second straight game scoring eight or more points while grabbing seven or more rebounds.
 
Utica (6-2, 1-1 Empire 8) will remain home to host Morrisville State on Saturday, December 10 at noon.