UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fell to the SUNY Poly Wildcats in an Empire 8 Conference matchup on Tuesday evening by a score of 49-38.

Vanessa Hall (Whitesville, NY/Whitesville Central) led the Pioneers with a double-double, scoring 12 points while pulling down 10 rebounds. Hall also added two assists. Carly Atty (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville) contributed nine points, knocking down three three-pointers, while McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) recorded five points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Hayleigh Lagase (Wallingford, CT/Mark T. Sheehan) was active on both ends, securing six rebounds, blocking one shot, and collecting one steal.

The game started as a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm. The teams were tied at 9-9 at the end of the first quarter. However, SUNY Poly gained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Utica 18-6 to take a 27-15 lead into halftime.

Utica attempted to fight back in the third quarter, with Hall and Atty connecting on key shots to cut into the deficit. However, the Wildcats responded with timely baskets, maintaining control and extending their lead to 42-25 heading into the fourth quarter.

In the final frame, Utica showed resilience, limiting SUNY Poly to just seven points while scoring 13 of their own. However, the early deficit proved too much to overcome, as the Wildcats held on for the 49-38 victory.

Utica returns to action tomorrow, Wednesday, February 19 as the team travels to Keuka Park, NY to take on the Keuka College Wolves. Tomorrow's game will serve as makeup from last weekend's postponement. Tip off is slated for 5:30pm.