UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fell to the St. John Fisher Cardinals in a conference matchup by a score of 79-69 on Friday evening. 
 
Leading the way for the Pioneers was Vanessa Hall (Whitesville, NY/Whitesville Central) with 25 points on 50 percent shooting from the floor, with eight rebounds. McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) and Hanna Godkin (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) each finished in double figures scoring with 17 and 11 points, respectively. Simmons added five rebounds, two assists and a steal to her stat line for the evening. Godkin added eight rebounds, five assists, and tallied a block in the contest. Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg) chipped in with seven points, six rebounds and a steal. 
 
Utica came out aggressive, looking to attack the paint and establish their presence inside. Hall was active early, getting to the rim and drawing contact, but Fisher's defense collapsed quickly, making finishing difficult. Simmons hit a key three-pointer to give the Pioneers a much-needed boost, and Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg) fought hard on the boards, keeping possessions alive. However, costly turnovers led to transition baskets for Fisher, allowing them to build an early lead. Utica's defense held strong, contesting shots and forcing Fisher into difficult attempts, but the visitors still ended the quarter up 20-13.
 
In the second frame, Utica's defense continued to make things difficult for Fisher, holding them to just 6-of-18 shooting, but offensive struggles prevented the Pioneers from capitalizing. Cornell and Hall battled inside for rebounds, but Fisher controlled second-chance opportunities, limiting Utica's scoring chances. Simmons and Godkin tried to spark the offense, but turnovers disrupted their rhythm. The Pioneers outworked Fisher defensively, forcing tough, contested shots, yet at halftime, Utica would trail 36-22. 
 
Coming out of the break, the Pioneers would come out firing to start the second half, determined to close the gap. Hall took control offensively, getting into the lane and drawing fouls to keep Utica in the game. Simmons found her rhythm, knocking down crucial shots, while Godkin stretched the defense with key three-pointers. Utica's defense stepped up, forcing eight turnovers and limiting Fisher's clean looks. Fisher responded with transition baskets, and despite a stronger offensive showing, Utica still faced a 58-42 deficit heading into the fourth quarter.
 
Utica played like a team on a mission in the final quarter, outscoring Fisher 27-21 and nearly pulling off an incredible comeback. Hall was unstoppable, driving into the lane and finishing tough shots. Simmons caught fire from deep, hitting clutch three-pointers to fuel the momentum shift. Utica's defense swarmed Fisher's ball handlers, forcing turnovers and pushing the pace in transition. With under five minutes remaining, Utica cut the lead to single digits, bringing the crowd into the game. However, foul trouble and missed defensive rebounds allowed Fisher to capitalize at the free-throw line, stalling the Pioneers' momentum. Despite the late push, the early deficit proved too much to overcome, and St. John Fisher held on for the win by a score of 79-69. 
 
Utica (3-16, 1-9 Empire 8) turns its attention to Saturday, February 1 as the team takes on the Nazareth University Golden Flyers. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 2pm.