UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team topped Alfred University 82-63 on Friday night to set up a win and in situation for the Empire 8 Conference Tournament tomorrow against Elmira.
 
It was an electrifying victory in which Utica brought its energy all game with the team shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc. The Pioneers had 48 points in the paint and 19 points off turnovers.
 
Vanessa Hall (Whitesville, NY/Whitesville Central) led the way tying her Pioneer career-high with 27 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and three steals. Hope Halvarson (Cranston, RI/Cranston East) and Haley Burchhardt (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) each turned in great games both scoring 12 points, with at least five boards, and three assists. Halvarson was phenomenal on defense, swiping five steals which helped set up fast break opportunities. 
 
Julia Rotando (Cold Spring, NY/Haldane) scored 10 points with eight boards, three assists, and three steals. Krissy Geraci (Rochester, NY/Greece Arcadia) poured in nine points with six rebounds and four assists. Emma Simmons (Unadilla, NY/Sidney Central) added four dimes and four boards.
 
Alfred grabbed a quick 5-4 lead yet Buckets by Hall and Burchhardt put Utica up 10-5 halfway through the frame. The Saxons made it just a 10-9 edge but the Pioneers heated up from deep with Halvarson canning one and Burchhardt nailing back-to-back three pointers to aid Utica in holding a 21-13 edge after one quarter of play.
 
Utica's offense continued to fire on all cylinders with Hayleigh Lagase (Wallingford, CT/Mark T. Sheehan) nailing a pair of jumpers. The Pioneers were able to force plenty of turnovers and work the ball inside the paint leading to a 37-19 halftime lead.
 
Hall nailed a pair of jumpers to open the second half and Halvarson hit four free throws to push the Utica lead to 45-20 at the 6:50 mark of the third quarter. Alfred's offense started to find its rhythm but Utica remained on fire from the field leading 62-39 after the third quarter. 
 
The Saxons converted a few triples in the fourth quarter yet could never get the Pioneer lead below 15 as Utica cruised to the 82-63 Empire 8 victory.
 
Utica (9-15, 6-9 Empire 8) will host Elmira College on Saturday, February 17 at 2 p.m. in its win and in situation for the Empire 8 Conference Tournament at 2 p.m. and honor its seniors before the game with a brief ceremony.