ROCHESTER, NY - The Empire 8 Conference and the United Collegiate Hockey Conference have announced the Players of the Week, for the week of November 9th with a quartet of Pioneers earning conference recognition for their standout performances.

Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) - Player of the Week (Women's Basketball)

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 return to action on Wednesday, November 11 as the team travels to take on the Union College Garnet Chargers. Tip off from Schenectady, NY is set for 5:30pm. 

Tahjir Fernand (Fort Lauderdale, FL/New Rochelle) - Defensive Player of the Week (Football)

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 take to ABM Field at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium on Saturday, November 14 as the team welcomes SUNY Brockport for Senior Day. Kick off is set for 12pm. 

Autumn Frear (Marshall, VA/Gilmour Academy) - Empire 8 Player of the Week/UCHC Co-Rookie of the Week (Women's Hockey)

Frear and the Pioneers challenged Oswego State, a team receiving votes in both the USCHO and DIIIHockeyNews polls, in a home-and-home set. In two thrilling games, the freshman forward netted a goal in each, aiding Utica to a 3-2 win in Oswego, before a late 2-1 overtime defeat in Utica. Frear knocked home a quick turnover and pass in game one before batting a rebound past the netminder on the power play the following day. Both scores were the Pioneers' first of the game, with Saturday's goal evening the score to force an overtime period. Frear is now one of just two Pioneers with two goals this season.

Frear and the rest of the women's hockey team will be back in action on Friday, November 13 in the first of a two game set at Hilbert College. Puck drop from Hamburg, NY is set for 7pm. 

Adian Martorano - Wrestler of the Week (Men's Wrestling)

Martorano and the Pioneers opened their 2026-27 season on the road, challenging Onondaga Community College in a dual meet. With Utica holding a 21-19 lead entering the final bout, the freshman heavyweight secured a win by fall over Mykola Fabian at the 5:49 mark, sealing a 27-19 victory for the Pioneers. The win came in Martorano's collegiate debut and gave head coach Pankil Chander a victory in his first dual with the program.

Martorano and the Pioneers will be back in action on Sunday, November 15 as the team travels to the Electric City Duals, hosted by the University of Scranton. Start time from Scranton, PA is set for 10am.