UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team will return after the break for two Empire 8 contests. The team will host St. John Fisher University on Tuesday, January 3, at 5:30 p.m. before traveling to face Keuka College on Saturday, January 7, at 2 p.m.
 
Follow Along: Those unable to attend the home game can tune in for live video and/or stats via https://bit.ly/2wtxUV5. Keuka will provide live video and/or stats through https://bit.ly/3lB0j4g. 
 
Where We Stand: Utica currently sits in fifth place in the Empire 8 with an overall record of 6-3 and 1-1 in Empire 8 play. After the break, consistent Empire 8 play will kick off and the Pioneers will have their chance to move up in the standings. The Pioneers are top-three in scoring averaging 72.4 points per game, and top three in defense, allowing just 52.1 points per game. The team's scoring margin of 20.3 also sits top three in the Empire 8 and has been a large reason for the team's early success. A major part of this has been the Pioneers' consistent scoring as the team has made .406 percent of its field goals which is top three in the Empire 8. Utica has consistently been able to outrebound its opponents, especially on the offensive glass, which has led to plenty of second-chance points for the team. The Pioneers average a whopping 48 rebounds a game, including nearly 19 on the offensive end, which ranks second in the Empire 8.
 
Burchhardt Buckets: Haley Burchhardt (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) was named Empire 8 Rookie of the Week on December 12 for her strong week. In a 1-1 week for the Utica University women's basketball team, Haley Burchhardt (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) averaged 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, five assists, and one steal per game. In the team's 108-34 win over Wells on December 8, Burchhardt scored eight points while also coming away with seven rebounds and dishing out a career-high seven assists. The freshman went on to set another career high on Saturday with 21 points to go with eight rebounds and three assists. The freshman has had a terrific start to her collegiate career scoring in double digits in five of her nine games. Her ability to fill the stat sheet has been terrific and helped the team to its nice start to the season.
 
Stacking it Up: Hannah Stack (Dolgeville, NY/Dolgeville) has been starting to heat up as she has eclipsed double-digit points in three-straight games. She dropped 19 points and 10 rebounds against Wells and then 12 points and 5 rebounds against Morrisville. Stack has been very efficient from the field and has given the team plenty of offensive rebounds leading to second-chance points.
 
Crashin' the Glass: Madelyn Cozzens (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) has had a nice start to her collegiate career scoring efficiently and consistently grabbing rebounds. The freshman had a dominant week, including notching her first career double-double against Wells College when she poured in 12 points and collected 11 rebounds in just 17 minutes. She then followed that up with 11 points and six rebounds in just 16 minutes of action. 
 
Scouting St. John Fisher: The Cardinals are 7-2 this season, including 2-0 in the Empire 8, and sit atop the standings. Fisher's last game was against Clarkson University on December 9, in which the Cardinals won 86-45. The team is top two in scoring and points allowed, with a differential of nearly 25. Sidney Tomasso is the team's leading scorer averaging 13.6 points per game and 4.9 rebounds. Kaitlyn Walker averages 12.7 points per game and has been the team's primary scoring option down low, shooting .481 percent from the field. The Cardinals have a trio of sharpshooters as Claire Kruszka, Emilia Johnson, and Emily McLaughlin have been lights out from beyond the arc. Fisher also has 114 steals this season which has helped the team turn in plenty of fast break points.
 
Keuka Outlook: The Wolves are 3-6 this season and 0-2 in Empire 8 play. Keuka has been struggling losing four straight, including its last outing against the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on December 9 by a score of 66-40. The team is very balanced, with five players averaging more than 8 points per game. Sydney Brown is the team's top scorer averaging 10.1 points per game, including shooting .33 percent from beyond the arc. The duo of Lauren Hill and Meg McGwin have been paint scorers and can grab plenty of rebounds for the team. Both players average more than 8 points per game and 6 rebounds per game and are key facets of the Wolves' success. 

Up Next: After this week, Utica will begin a busy three-game week, starting on the road against Nazareth College on Tuesday, January 10, at 5:30 p.m.