UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fell to the Houghton University Highlanders on Saturday afternoon, 51-40. 
 
Haley Burchhardt (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) played an exceptional all-around game scoring 14 points on an efficient 5-for-9 shooting along with six rebounds and two assists. McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) and Vanessa Hall (Whitesville, NY/Whitesville Central) both made strong contributions as well. Simmons notched nine points with seven rebounds and Hall added eight points with 10 rebounds. 
 
Houghton was contained from the three-point line, shooting just 5-for-29, yet still had enough in them to come through with the victory. Tabitha DeVries led all Houghton scorers with 12 points, all from inside the paint. Marley Drake played a solid game in what was only her second start of the season, scoring 11. Trinity Copeland also had a season high of 10 points. 
 
The first quarter was a slow start for both teams with neither team shooting a high percentage in the frame. Utica kept things tight early by coming out with energy and well-rounded defense.  
 
With the game even at 2-2 with under three minutes left in the quarter, Houghton would score five points within the final minute of the frame to extend their lead to six. 
 
Houghton brought the pressure in the second, coming out in a full court press and causing two turnovers right away. The Highlanders extended their lead to double digits early and continued strong play throughout the rest of the quarter.
 
Utica defended well collectively in the first half, but the difference came in the turnover department as it had 12 to Houghton's four. The Pioneers trailed by 17 going into halftime. 
 
Utica showed no quit coming out of the half, outscoring Houghton 17-15 in the third. Simmons and Burchhardt continued to lead the offensive production for the team, adding six apiece in the third. 
 
Full court pressure from Utica in the fourth continued to make things difficult for Houghton. Julia Rotando (Cold Spring, NY/Haldane) forced several turnovers, giving the team some momentum. As Utica gained some offensive traction, Vanessa Hall (Whitesville, NY/Whitesville Central) found her stride, hitting two threes in the quarter, the second of which brought the team back to within 10.
 
With just over two minutes to play in the game, Hope Halvarson (Cranston, RI/Cranston East) fought through contact on a strong drive to the rack to bring Utica within seven. However, the Highlanders cashed in with a bucket near the rim and a fastbreak score to ultimately pull away with the 11 point win. 
 
Utica (5-12, 2-6 Empire 8) will be back in action on Tuesday, January 30 at 5:30 p.m. as the Nazareth Golden Flyers come to Utica for a matchup on Miga Court.