UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fell in a hard fought conference battle but came up just short against cross town rival and Empire 8 Conference newcomer SUNY Poly on Tuesday evening. The Pioneers fell to the Wildcats by a score of 72-62. 
 
Leading the way for the Pioneers was McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) with a double double (18pts, 10 reb) while dishing out four assists and a block. Vanessa Hall (Whitesville, NY/Whitesville Central) chipped in 17 points and seven rebounds. Hayleigh Lagase (Wallingford, CT/Mark T. Sheehan) and Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg) each chipped in seven points, while Lagase added four boards, an assist, and a steal, with Cornell adding three rebounds and two assists. Hanna Godkin (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) was a stout defender, adding five rebounds, and a team high four steals. 
 
The Pioneers would come out with the energy as Utica would strike first, courtesy of a three from Hall. Lagase would follow with a layup, giving the Pioneers the momentum early. Poly would respond with outside shooting of their own to let the back and forth battle ensue. Utica would keep up with the pace with key rebounds from Simmons and Cornell to keep the Pioneers within one heading into the second stanza at 20-19. 
 
The Pioneers continued to battle in the second quarter, with Simmons stepping up to knock down a crucial three-pointer, giving Utica the lead. Cornell fought hard in the paint, finishing strong at the rim for back-to-back baskets. Utica's defense was aggressive, with Godkin, Mahoney, and Hall forcing turnovers and preventing SUNY Poly from pulling away. Despite solid defensive efforts from Utica, including steals from Godkin and Mahoney, SUNY Poly was able to match the Pioneers shot for shot. The teams went into the locker room at halftime with SUNY Poly holding a slim 37-36 lead.
 
Utica struggled to find their rhythm in the third quarter, as they were held to just 10 points. SUNY Poly took advantage of Utica's scoring drought, with Alysa Jackson leading the charge for the Wildcats with several three-pointers. The Pioneers' defense forced a few turnovers, but they struggled to capitalize offensively. With five minutes left in the quarter, SUNY Poly extended their lead to 10 points, closing the period with a 56-46 advantage.
 
Utica came out swinging in the fourth. Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg) wasted no time, hitting a jumper just seconds into the frame. The Pioneers matched SUNY Poly basket for basket, refusing to go away quietly. Both teams traded baskets throughout the period, keeping the score differential steady. Hall and Simmons each contributed key points down the stretch, and Utica tightened up defensively with a few forced turnovers. However, SUNY Poly maintained control, making key free throws in the final minutes to secure the 72-62 victory.
 
Utica (3-15, 1-8 Empire 8) returns to action on Friday, January 31 as the team takes on the St. John Fisher Cardinals. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 5:30pm.