![President Todd Pfannestiel poses with Jeremy Thurston chairperson Board of Trustees [left] and former chairperson Robert Brvenik [right] after accepting the universitys institutional charter.](https://uticatangerine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/unnamed.jpeg)
Zach Thomann, Assistant Sports Editor
SUNY Poly came out on top against the Utica women’s basketball team with a score of 76 to 69 on Sunday afternoon.
SUNY started off the game hot with an 8-0 run led by Senior Stevie Ray’s two long-range shots. UC struggled at the start, with five turnovers in the first four minutes but quickly recovered to tie the game at 12.
Head Coach Michele Davis wanted to get the offense back on track by pushing the ball up the court before SUNY Poly could get their defense set.
After a sloppy start, the game plan started to work, and the score reflected the fast tempo style offense. The pioneers went on a 28-10 run after being down 8-0 early.
Foul trouble plagued Utica against Oneonta Thursday night, so coach Davis told her athletes to limit their fouls in order to stay on the court.
The Pioneers held a seven to three advantage in the foul category for the first quarter which allowed Sophomore Rachel Hunter to score 11 points in the first half.
The second quarter was fairly even, but what separated Utica was production from the free throw line. The Pioneers were 8-10 from the foul line which gave them a five point lead going into the half.
SUNY started off strong again in the second half led by Ray’s 13 points in the first four minutes. Utica was forced to double team Ray who already had 29 points at the time.
The Pioneers were able to keep their composure scoring multiple times in transition including two driving layups by Junior Ashelyne Babb.
After a strong first half, Hunter found herself in foul trouble which took her out for a large part of the third and fourth quarters. She added four more points giving her 15 for the game.
With all the attention Ray was getting from the Pioneers, Junior Kristaijah Jackson was able to score multiple times in the paint for SUNY.
After trading baskets for most of the fourth quarter, SUNY was able to pull away in the last few minutes.
Ray led all scorers with 34 points and Jackson added 18 rebounds for SUNY along with her 25 points. Babb led the Pioneers with 19 points.
Utica moves to 1-2 on the season and will take on Hamilton College at home on the 28th at 6 p.m.
