KEUKA PARK, NY – The Utica University women's basketball team secured a 77-54 victory over the Keuka College Wolves in its final Empire 8 Conference matchup of the season on Wednesday evening. 

McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) led the Pioneers with an outstanding performance, recording a double-double with 31 points and 15 rebounds while adding seven assists and three steals. Vanessa Hall (Whitesville, NY/Whitesville Central) contributed 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while Hayleigh Lagase (Wallingford, CT/Mark T. Sheehan) scored 14 points, blocked two shots, and grabbed four rebounds. Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg) was solid inside with six points and six rebounds.

Utica started strong in the first quarter, with Lagase knocking down an early three-pointer off an assist from Simmons to give the Pioneers a quick 3-0 lead. Keuka responded with a tip-in from Brooke Burd, keeping the game close. A layup by Cornell, assisted by Hall, extended Utica's lead to 5-4. Simmons then drained a three-pointer off a pass from Carly Atty (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville), pushing the lead to 8-4. Keuka fought back with a three-pointer from Mary Cotter, closing the gap to 10-7. Despite Keuka's efforts, Utica maintained control, with Simmons converting two free throws and Atty finishing the quarter with a layup to give the Pioneers a 20-17 advantage.

In the second quarter, Sydney Brown hit a jumper to start the scoring for Keuka, bringing them within one point. However, Hall responded with two free throws, and Utica took advantage of several Keuka turnovers, leading to consecutive baskets from Simmons that extended the lead to 28-19. After a timeout, Utica continued its offensive surge, with Cornell scoring inside and Cotter answering with a three for Keuka. Hall then converted an and-one play, stretching the lead to 35-24. Keuka's Lillian Mullen hit a three-pointer just before halftime, but the Pioneers remained in control, leading 39-30 at the break.

The third quarter saw Keuka attempt to close the gap, as Ellen Lavonas scored inside to cut Utica's lead to 39-32. Simmons quickly answered with a layup, making it 41-32, and Utica's defense intensified, forcing multiple turnovers that led to a fast-break layup from Simmons. Free throws from Simmons and Hall pushed the lead to 45-34. Keuka's Sydney Brown hit a three-pointer, but the Pioneers remained dominant, with Hall scoring off an assist from Simmons. Utica continued to build its advantage, and two free throws from Lagase gave the Pioneers a comfortable 55-44 lead heading into the final quarter.

Utica took full control in the fourth quarter, opening with a 7-0 run fueled by inside baskets from Simmons and Hall. Keuka struggled to regain momentum as Utica's defense forced multiple turnovers. Simmons continued her dominant performance, scoring six more points in the paint. A three-pointer from Lagase extended the lead to 20 with four minutes remaining, sealing the victory. The final buzzer sounded with Utica earning a decisive 77-54 win.

The Pioneers have been eliminated from Empire 8 Conference tournament contention and conclude their 2024-25 campaign at 4-21, with a 2-14 record in conference play.