ROCHESTER, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fell to the St. John Fisher Cardinals by a score of 69-58 on the road Saturday afternoon. 
 
Leading the way for the Pioneers was Emma Simmons (Unadilla, NY/Sidney Central) who delivered 15 points on the afternoon (5-10 FG, 3-5 3pt, 2-5 FT), followed by Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg) with 12 points (5-9 FG, 2-4 FT), and McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) with 10 points (3-18 FG, 4-4 FT). Cornell paced the rebounding efforts for the Pioneers with a team leading nine, followed by McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) with seven, and Madison LaDuke (Massena, NY/Massena Central) with six. Defensively, McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) led  the way with a team leading three steals, while Hanna Godkin (Clifton Springs, NY/Midlakes) swiped one of her own. 
 
Utica opened the game with strong defensive effort and multiple second-chance opportunities, as Cornell controlled the glass early. After Cornell split a pair at the line to get the Pioneers on the board, McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) finished inside to give Utica its first lead. St. John Fisher answered with a few paint touches, but Utica stayed aggressive offensively, getting baskets from Cornell and Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) to push ahead. Late scores from Carly Atty (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville) and Godkin kept Utica right there, though a last-second jumper by the hosts sent Fisher into the break with a narrow 14–13 edge.

The second quarter saw Fisher build momentum with transition buckets and inside scoring, stretching the lead to seven midway through the period. Utica responded with composure, as Simmons knocked down a pair at the line and Cornell finished through contact to steady the offense. Hall, Emma Simmons (Unadilla, NY/Sidney Central), and LaDuke added key layups, keeping the Pioneers within striking distance. Despite several defensive stops, Fisher capitalized at the free-throw line late, taking a 37–27 lead into halftime.

Utica came out of the locker room with renewed energy. Cornell opened the half with a quick bucket, and Hall continued to attack the paint to trim the deficit. A timely three from Carly Atty (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville) helped the Pioneers claw back into contention, but Fisher answered with perimeter shooting and fast-break finishes to maintain control. Utica continued to battle on the boards and generate quality looks, but Fisher's efficiency kept the margin at 52–38 heading into the fourth.

The Pioneers showed fight down the stretch, with Emma Simmons (Unadilla, NY/Sidney Central) drilling multiple threes and converting in transition to spark a late push. Hall added points at the line and around the rim, while Cornell finished through traffic to keep pressure on the hosts. Despite Utica's continued effort and defensive intensity, Fisher was able to close the game at the foul line and inside, sealing a 69–58 final.
 
Utica (6-14, 2-9 Empire 8) returns to action on Friday, February 6 as the team returns home to take on the Alfred University Saxons. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 5:30pm.