CLINTON, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fell to Hamilton College 65-47 on Friday night.
 
Vanessa Hall (Whitesville, NY/Whitesville Central) led the way for the Pioneers offense with 13 points, two rebounds, and two steals while going a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe. Kate Mahoney (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) also had a strong offensive night with nine points, four rebounds and one steal. The duo of McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) and Hayleigh Lagase (Wallingford, CT/Mark T. Sheehan) each dropped five points with at least three rebounds and one steal.
 
Utica jumped out to a quick 6-2 lead in the first quarter as the team was able to turn defense into offense. Utica clinged onto a small lead for the majority of the quarter as its offense and defense were clicking. However Hamilton battled back to keep the score close and take a 16-12 lead into the second quarter.
 
The Continentals started the second quarter off strong, extending its lead to 21-15 yet Utica's offense would slowly chip away at the deficit. Hamilton controlled the quarter with its possessions but the Pioneers had a few runs to trail 34-28 at the half.
 
Utica had a strong third quarter behind Kate Mahoney (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) and Hayleigh Lagase (Wallingford, CT/Mark T. Sheehan) who were efficient on both sides of the ball. Yet Hamilton's offense had a strong run at the end of the quarter to take a 48-39 edge into the final quarter of play.
 
McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) led the way in the fourth quarter as her rebounding was able to lead to quick offense for Utica and cut the Hamilton lead to single digits. The Pioneers had cut the deficit to just 51-43 with 6:03 minutes remaining, however the Continentals used a late run to win the game 65-47. 
 
Utica (0-2, 0-0 Empire 8) will host Union College on Monday, November 13 at 6 p.m.