UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fell to Empire 8 rival St. John Fisher 85-44 on Tuesday evening.
 
Vanessa Hall (Whitesville, NY/Whitesville Central) led the way with 22 points on 8-for-17 shooting including a career-best 4-for-8 from behind the arc. Hanna Godkin (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) poured in six points and was a perfect 2-for-2 from deep.
 
McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) scored four points with three rebounds and two assists while Hope Halvarson (Cranston, RI/Cranston East) dropped four points, four rebounds, two steals, and one assist and was making an impact on both sides of the ball. Jaida Larsen (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) was a ravenous rebounder hauling in five boards in her eight minutes of action.
 
It was a strong battle to start the match with the teams exchanging leads until Utica held a 6-3 edge. Fisher rallied to grab a 17-9 lead about halfway through the frame, yet the Pioneers continued to battle back with McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) scoring four straight points late as the Cardinals held a 24-15 advantage after one.
 
Fisher went on another small scoring run to begin the second, but the Pioneers again answered back as Vanessa Hall (Whitesville, NY/Whitesville Central) converted a few buckets to trim the lead to 32-21. Utica continued to run its offense through her and trailed 48-24 at the half.
 
The Cardinals used a strong second half outscoring Utica in the third and fourth quarters to pick up the Empire 8 victory by a score of 85-44.
 
Utica (4-9, 1-3 Empire 8) will travel to face Elmira College on Friday, January 19 at 5:30 p.m.