ROCHESTER, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fell to St. John Fisher 118-64 on Tuesday evening. 
 
McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) led the team in scoring with a career-high 22 points, including shooting 3-for-7 from deep. Simmons also added seven rebounds and continued her hot streak defensively with two steals. Haley Burchhardt (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) poured in 12 points with two rebounds and one assist. Veterans Petrina DeMarco (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) and Julia Rotando (Cold Spring, NY/Haldane) filled the stat sheet as DeMarco scored eight points with three rebounds and five assists, while Rotando had six points with five rebounds and six assists.
 
Hope Halavarson turned in a solid performance with two points, four rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. The junior continues to play well all-around for the Pioneers. Freshman Cristina Negron (Easthampton, MA/Williston Northampton) played well recording three points, three rebounds, and two assists in just four minutes.
 
The Pioneers did well at facilitating the ball as the team recorded 20 assists. Hope Halvarson (Cranston, RI/Cranston East), Petrina DeMarco (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro), and Julia Rotando (Cold Spring, NY/Haldane) were the premier facilitators tonight as each recorded five or more assists. 
 
Fisher used a 32-13 first quarter edge to take control of the game. The Cardinals went on to outscore the Pioneers in each of the next three quarters to pick up the win.
 
Utica (9-12, 4-10 Empire 8) will head to face Alfred University on Friday, February 10 at 5:30 p.m. in a game with major implications for playoff seeding.