Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) and
Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) have been named the Pioneer Athletes of the Week for the week of January 5th, following standout performances in two crucial home wins over Liberty League opponents. Cain's team defeated RPI 82-77, while Hall and the women's basketball team won 57-49 over William Smith. This is the first Pioneer honor of the season for Cain, and the second for Hall.
Cain led the Pioneers with a dominant performance during Utica's lone contest of the week, pouring in a career-high 32 points to pace the offense in the team's final non-conference matchup at home against RPI. Cain was highly efficient from the floor, shooting 12-for-19 (.632) overall and knocking down five three-pointers on eight attempts (.625), while adding three free throws. In addition to his scoring outburst, Cain contributed across the stat sheet with six rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 36 minutes of action. This is Cain's first career Pioneer Athlete of the Week honor.
Hall powered the Pioneers with a dominant all-around performance, posting 21 points, nine rebounds, and three steals in Utica's lone contest of the week. Hall delivered her standout showing in the Pioneers' final non-conference matchup against William Smith, finishing with a game-high 21 points on an efficient 9-for-15 shooting performance, including 3-of-5 from three-point range (.600). In addition to her scoring efficiency, Hall controlled the glass with nine rebounds and was a constant presence on the defensive end, recording three steals while committing zero turnovers in nearly 36 minutes of action. Her 21 points also brought her very close to the 1,000-point threshold, as she is nine points away from achieving the illustrious feat.
Cain and Hall will both be back in action tomorrow night as their respective teams open conference play against the Russell Sage Gators. The women's team tips off at 5:30 and the men's team is scheduled for a 7:30 start, with both games taking place at Miga Court.
