WESTFIELD, MA - The Utica University women's basketball team took the consolation matchup of the Westfield Gas and Electric Tournament against Mitchell College by a score of 68-43 on Saturday afternoon. 

Leading the way for the Pioneers was Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) who put together a 21 point outing (9-16 FG, 2-4 3PT, 1-2 FT) with six rebounds, an assist, and a pair of steals. Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg) helped Hall lead the rebounding efforts, with six rebounds, alongside Madison LaDuke (Massena, NY/Massena Central) and Jayla Bell (Lyons, NY/Lyons) who each hauled in five. Five Pioneers managed to dish out a team high three assists in LaDuke, Madison Marusic (Herkimer, NY/Herkimer), Destiny Herring (New Rochelle, NY/New Rochelle), Carly Atty (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville), and Hanna Godkin (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes). Defensively, three Pioneers managed a pair of steals each in Hall, LaDuke, and Godkin, while Godkin also managed a block. 

Utica used a monster first-half surge to grab control and never let go. After Mitchell jumped in front 5–0 on early free throws and a three, the Pioneers settled in behind Hall. Hall knocked down a jumper to get Utica on the board, then found Cornell for a layup before Marusic drilled a three to give Utica its first lead at 7–5. From there it was all Pioneers: Hall splashed another three, converted a layup off her own offensive board, and kept piling on as Utica closed the quarter on a 15–1 run and flipped the game from 5–0 down to comfortably in front.

The second quarter turned into a shooting clinic. Atty opened the frame with a three, Godkin followed with another triple, and McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) added two free throws as the lead ballooned into double figures. Hall continued to live in the paint, finishing through contact, while LaDuke chipped in a jumper and Marusic buried another three late in the half. By the time Mitchell finally scored just before the buzzer, Utica had exploded out to a 40–16 advantage at the break.

Mitchell made a small push out of halftime, but every time the visitors threatened, Utica answered. Cornell opened the third with a strong finish inside, and Marusic turned a fast-break layup plus the and-one. Hall stayed aggressive with another paint jumper, and Cornell and Kate Mahoney (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) added layups as the Pioneers kept the margin in the 20-point range despite a brief Mitchell run. Utica's defense forced a string of turnovers, with LaDuke and Godkin jumping passing lanes to keep the pace and momentum on the home side.

The fourth quarter gave the Pioneer depth a chance to shine. Jaida Larsen (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) carved up the lane for multiple layups, Marlie Macek finished at the rim and later kicked out to Brianelly Cruz (Bronx, NY/Fannie Lou Freedom) for back-to-back threes, and Kierstin Einhiple (Hemlock, NY/Livonia) got on the board at the foul line. Destiny Herring (New Rochelle, NY/New Rochelle) continued to rack up assists, as Utica's offense stayed sharp to the final horn. Even as Mitchell knocked down a couple of late threes, the Pioneers comfortably closed out a wire-to-wire statement win built on a dominant first-half run, balanced scoring, and contributions from all over the lineup.

Utica (2-3, 0-0 Empire 8) hosts Norwich University in the team's final matchup prior to the Thanksgiving break. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 1pm on Tuesday, November 25.