GENESEO, NY – The Utica University women's basketball team continued their season on the road, facing Empire 8 Conference newcomer SUNY Geneseo. The Pioneers fell to the Knights by a score of 76-36 on Tuesday evening.
Leading the way for the Pioneers was McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook), who recorded 7 points (3-4 FG, 0-1 3PT, 1-2 FT) and three rebounds. Hayleigh Lagase (Wallingford, CT/Mark T. Sheehan) added 7 points (3-8 FG, 1-5 3PT), two rebounds, and a block, while Jaida Larsen (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) contributed 4 points and a game-high six rebounds. Emma Simmons (Unadilla, NY/Sidney Central) provided a spark off the bench with 6 points (2-6 FG, 2-4 3PT) and added a steal. Carly Atty (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville) chipped in three points with a block.
The Pioneers started with intensity, keeping pace with Geneseo in the early moments of the opening stanza. After a defensive rebound by Larsen, Atty drained a three-pointer to bring Utica within two. Moments later, Simmons scored on a crafty layup off an assist from Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg), tying the game at 7-7. Utica's defense, led by Hanna Godkin's (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) impressive block, kept the Knights from pulling away early. Despite Geneseo's hot shooting, Utica's strong start had them in contention, trailing 22-11 at the end of the first.
In the second quarter, Kate Mahoney (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) hit a jumper to spark the Pioneers' offense, followed by Simmons knocking down a three-pointer from the corner to cut the deficit to single digits. Larsen continued her strong presence on the boards, grabbing several key rebounds to prevent Geneseo from extending their lead further. On defense, Lagase forced a turnover, but Geneseo capitalized on fast-break opportunities and extended their advantage to 37-23 at halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Pioneers struggled offensively but managed to create some key moments. Simmons hit a jumper early in the quarter, and Lagase added another block on the defensive end. Utica's hustle on the glass, including offensive rebounds by Larsen, kept possessions alive, but turnovers proved costly. Geneseo used those opportunities to go on a run and pushed their lead to 56-28 entering the fourth.
In the final frame, Simmons hit her second three-pointer of the game, and Lagase added a tough layup through contact to give the Pioneers a late spark. Mahoney and Larsen worked hard to secure rebounds and limit Geneseo's second-chance points. Despite their efforts, Geneseo maintained control to secure the 76-36 victory.
Utica (2-11, 0-4 Empire 8) looks to bounce back as the team returns home to take on the Houghton University Highlanders. Tip off on Friday, January 17 from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 5:30pm.
