UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fell in the team's first cross-town clash of the season with conference foe SUNY Poly by a score of 70-68 on Tuesday evening. 

Four Pioneers finished in double scoring figures, led by Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) with 25 points (8-18 FG, 2-5 3pt, 7-7 FT), followed by Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg) with 12 points (6-17 FG) and both McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) (3-12 FG, 2-7 3pt, 2-2 FT) and Carly Atty (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville) (4-8 FG, 2-5 3pt) chipped in 10 points apiece. Cornell paced the rebounding efforts with a team high 11 for her first double double of the season, followed by Hall with eight and Atty with seven. Defensively, Cornell, Hall, Simmons, and Kate Mahoney (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) each swiped a steal, while Hall posted a team high pair of blocks and Cornell grabbed one of her own as well. 

Utica opened the game with strong energy on both ends, jumping out to a 6–0 lead behind early baskets from Simmons, Hall, and Cornell. SUNY Poly answered with a run midway through the first quarter to briefly take the lead, but Utica responded late. A Jayla Bell (Lyons, NY/Lyons) three and a Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) layup in the final minute pushed the Pioneers ahead 18–15 at the end of the opening period.

The second quarter saw momentum swing back and forth as SUNY Poly connected from the perimeter to take its first multi-possession lead. Utica stayed within striking distance thanks to continued interior scoring from Cornell and Hall, while Madison Marusic (Herkimer, NY/Herkimer) and Atty added timely baskets. Despite multiple lead changes, SUNY Poly closed the half on a late three, sending Utica into the break trailing 41–37.

Utica regrouped out of halftime and quickly cut into the deficit behind another Simmons three and consistent pressure on the glass. The Pioneers briefly reclaimed the lead midway through the third quarter, highlighted by free throws from Simmons and a Cornell jumper. SUNY Poly countered with a late surge to regain control, and Utica entered the fourth quarter facing a slim 56–54 deficit.

The final quarter featured several momentum swings as Utica continued to battle inside, with Hall and Cornell combining for key buckets to keep the game within one or two possessions. Down the stretch, SUNY Poly capitalized at the free-throw line, while Utica answered with a late three from Atty and clutch free throws from Hall. Despite a final layup by Atty in the closing seconds, the Pioneers' comeback attempt fell just short, as SUNY Poly held on for a 70–68 decision.

Utica (6-12, 2-7 Empire 8) returns to action on Friday, January 30 as the team travels to take on Nazareth University. Tip off from Rochester, NY is set for 5:30pm.