UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fell at home to the SUNY Canton Kangaroos by a score of 76-52 on Wednesday evening. 

A pair of Pioneers finished in double scoring figures in Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) (18pts, 6-14FG, 1-5 3PT, 5-6 FT) and McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) (17pts, 5-16 FG, 1-6 3PT, 6-9 FT). Hall and Simmons also led the team's rebounding efforts, with Hall hauling in six and Simmons five. Three Pioneers managed to dish out a pair of assists in Simmons, Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg), and Madison LaDuke (Massena, NY/Massena Central). LaDuke also managed to swipe a pair of steals, while Hanna Godkin (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) recorded the team's only block. 

SUNY Canton hit a couple of early shots to take a quick lead, but Utica answered right away. Hall and Madison Marusic (Herkimer, NY/Herkimer) settled the Pioneers in, combining for a layup, two free throws, and a transition three to briefly swing the score in Utica's favor. Canton closed the first on a small run to lead 16–14 after one.

Utica kept attacking in the second. Marusic hit a three, and McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) sparked a strong stretch with back-to-back drives to the rim. Hanna Godkin (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) added a jumper and free throw to keep the Pioneers within two possessions, but Canton responded with timely threes and free throws to take a 35–28 lead into halftime.

The Pioneers opened the third quarter aggressively. Simmons hit at the line, while Hall added a mid-range finish to stay within reach. Cornell and Simmons connected on a couple of inside looks, but Canton answered with a series of second-chance buckets to push the margin back to double digits.

Utica kept fighting in the fourth. Destiny Herring (New Rochelle, NY/New Rochelle) finished a fast-break layup, and Simmons continued to get downhill for points and free throws. Hall added two more at the line as Utica battled through the final minutes. Despite the push, Canton's shooting and offensive rebounds down the stretch allowed them to pull away late in a 76–52 final.

Utica (3-5, 0-0 Empire 8) returns to action following the winter break, taking on the Williams Smith Herons in the team's final non-conference matchup. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center on Saturday, January 6 is set for 1pm.