MARCY, N.Y. – The SUNYIT Women's Basketball Team (3-3, 2-0 NEAC) fell to the Utica Pioneers (4-3) Thursday night, 71-56 at the Campus Center Gym.

The key to the game for the Pioneers was their inside presence, as forwards Kelsey Cowell, Bridget Greenwald, and Samantha Stayer combined for 40 points and 38 rebounds on the night, with Stayer leading all scorers with 18 points.

On the other side of the ball, Lauren Knowles (Salisbury Mills, N.Y. / Washingtonville) led the way for the Wildcats with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Knowles used her strength and footwork in the paint to knock down 8-of-13 attempts.

Also playing well for the home team was Geena Gallo (Ballston Spa, N.Y. / Ballston Spa). Gallo scored 13 points while pulling down 7 rebounds, and joined Knowles and senior Abbey Hanehan (Stillwater, N.Y. / Stillwater) as the only Wildcats to score in double-figures.

The Wildcats will look for better luck on the road, as they head to NEAC rival Keuka College on Saturday for a 3:00 pm matchup.