ONEONTA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team took down the Hartwick College Hawks by a score of 63-53, and collected its first conference win of the season on Tuesday evening. 

Three Pioneers finished in double scoring figures in Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) (21pts, 8-14 FG, 1-3 3pt, 4-5 FT), McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) (19pts, 7-16 FG, 3-8 3pt, 2-2 FT), and Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg) (14pts, 5-9 FG, 4-8 FT). Hall paced the rebounding efforts for the Pioneers with a team leading 11 on the evening, while Simmons managed eight and a trio of Cornell, Carly Atty (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville), and Madison LaDuke (Massena, NY/Massena Central) each hauled in five. Defensively, Hall and Cornell managed three steals a piece, while Simmons and LaDuke nabbed a pair. Hall and Cornell also managed a block in the contest. 

Utica set the tone defensively from the opening tip, forcing early misses and converting stops into transition offense. Cornell opened the scoring at the free-throw line before Simmons knocked down a fast-break three to spark a quick run. After Hartwick briefly answered with a layup, the Pioneers stretched the lead behind a Hall three and another Simmons triple, building a 10–2 advantage. Hall continued to attack the paint late in the quarter, scoring twice inside to cap a dominant opening frame as Utica carried a 15–4 lead after one.

The Pioneers maintained control with strong ball movement and defensive pressure. Emma Simmons (Unadilla, NY/Sidney Central) converted a pair of free throws early, and Mackenzie Simmons added a jumper to push the margin further. Hartwick tried to generate offense, but Utica answered each time with timely buckets from Hall, Cornell, and Carly Atty (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville). A late three from Simmons and consistent rebounding on both ends allowed Utica to close the half on a run, taking a commanding 38–13 lead into halftime.

Hartwick came out aggressive after the break, trimming into the deficit with a series of threes. Utica weathered the push behind interior scoring from Cornell and Hall, while Atty and Madison LaDuke (Massena, NY/Massena Central) provided steady contributions to halt Hartwick's momentum. Despite Hartwick outscoring Utica in the period, the Pioneers limited extended runs and stayed composed, entering the fourth quarter still firmly in front, 45–42.

Utica responded immediately to Hartwick's surge, as Hall opened the final period with a jumper and a free throw to regain separation. Cornell controlled the paint, scoring inside and getting to the line, while LaDuke added a key jumper to keep the Pioneers ahead. Hartwick continued to chip away with perimeter shooting, but Utica closed the game at the free-throw line, converting multiple fast-break opportunities in the final minute. Strong defensive rebounding and poise down the stretch sealed a 63–53 road victory for the Pioneers.

Utica (5-8, 1-3 Empire 8) returns home to take on the SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles on Friday, January 16. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 5:30pm.