Box Score UTICA, NY - Utica welcomed Houghton in a crucial conference contest to begin a basketball-filled weekend from Miga Court. Vanessa Hall (Whitesville, NY/Whitesville Central) made her long-awaited return to the Pioneer lineup after missing the last four games, joining the ranks once again as the Pioneers hoped to slow down a high-tempo Highlander bunch. The Highlanders used their vaunted press to open up a big lead early, snowballing their advantage and then stalling any potential comebacks by the Pioneers to come away with a 92-43 win over the hosts.
 
The Pioneers' leading scorer on the night was McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook), who weaved her way to the rim all night, totaling 16 points and five rebounds. Simmons forced the issue in a major way on Friday night, drawing pressure from the Highlander defenders and getting to the charity stripe often. Simmons collected six points from the line, taking nine total free throws in the matchup.
 
Hall had a solid game in her return to action, contributing eight points and four rebounds.
 
Utica shot well from the line, going 13 for 18 in their chances at the free throw line, something they'll look to expand on in tomorrow's contest against Alfred University. That game will begin at 2:00 PM tomorrow from Miga Court.
 
Game Summary: The high-tempo Highlanders began the matchup in an aggressive zone press, attempting to force the Pioneers into some unfortunate mistakes. Houghton's traps were effective, as the Pioneers struggled early to find an answer to their opposition's pressure. The Pioneers attempted to slow the game down and grab some momentum in what was an excellent clash of styles between an up-tempo and chaotic Houghton side and a Utica team that looked to slow the pace and find good opportunities in the half court.
 
After taking a timeout to organize the troops, the Pioneers came out with an effective press break, using a quick passing attack to get into the half court and set their offense. Even with their new tactic, the Pioneers' slow start saw them face a deficit that they'd need to chip away at as the game progressed into the half.
 
Utica scored a quick eight points to begin the second half, finding their form from deep as Hall and Lagase hit a pair of longshots to open up the third quarter.
 
Although after that initial second-half blitz, the Pioneers offensive prowess petered out as the Highlanders' first half hailstorm proved to be too much for the hosts to overcome. Utica battled all the way through to the final whistle, making tough plays including an awesome drawn charge in the fourth quarter by Mahoney. The Pioneers ultimately fell short though, as the Highlanders took Friday's fight and kept their place near the top of the Empire 8 rankings.