Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) and Tahjir Fernand (Fort Lauderdale, FL/New Rochelle) have been named the Pioneer Athletes of the Week for the week of November 9th.

Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) opened the 2026-27 season with a dominant double-double, leading Utica to a 64-56 victory over SUNY Morrisville on Saturday afternoon. Hall posted a team-high 24 points and 15 rebounds, including five offensive boards, while adding three steals, one block and one assist. She shot an impressive 60 percent from beyond the arc (3-for-5) and .875 from the free-throw line (7-for-8). Hall accounted for 37.5 percent of Utica's total scoring and 30 percent of the team's rebounds, playing a pivotal role in the Pioneers' season-opening victory. The senior also logged 37 minutes while committing just one turnover, showcasing her all-around impact on both ends of the court.

Hall and the Pioneers will head to Schenectady, NY, on Wednesday to face off against Union College.

Pioneer cornerback Tahjir Fernand (Fort Lauderdale, FL/New Rochelle) had an outstanding performance in the team's 39-3 win over Hartwick. The sophomore defensive back led a unit that allowed just 53 yards and held the hosts to 2-for-12 on third down. On the outside, Fernand was a star, helping limit his matchup to zero catches, while also recording two highlight-reel-level interceptions, one of which was returned 52 yards for the team's first pick-6 of the season. Fernand would end the game with his two interceptions, in addition to three key tackles. 

Fernand and the Pioneers will host conference rival SUNY Brockport on Saturday. It is also the Pioneers' Senior Day and the GPO Federal Credit Union Veterans Day Game.