Hali VanderMeulen, Staff Writer

Utica College women’s volleyball lost its Empire 8 Conference opener Wednesday night against Hartwick College in four sets. Utica started off strong winning the first set 25-19, but struggled the rest of the way.

Junior Nicole Herringshaw played big for the Pioneers with three blocks and 17 kills on the night. Another contribution was junior Hannah Voss who had seven kills, 14 digs and three aces. Junior Marissa Froni aided the offense with 25 assists marking a season high.

The lady Pioneers are 3-10 on the season and will take on Houghton College for a conference matchup Saturday.