UTICA, N.Y. – Host Utica never trailed to defeat Russell Sage College 55-39 this evening in Empire 8 Conference action.
Sophomore guard Layla Acosta (Haines City, FL/Haines City) registered a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Gators. The 11 rebounds equaled a career-high.
Junior guard Malena Gereau (Schroon Lake, NY/Schroon Lake Central) also scored 11 points, to go along with six boards, while junior guard Olivia Huneau (Cohoes, NY/Cohoes) recorded eight points.
Freshman forward Vanessa Hall, who entered the game atop the conference with a 16.8 scoring average, paced Utica (4-7/1-1 E8) with 27 points. Sophomore McKenzie Simmons added 10 points, while junior guard/forward Hayleigh Lagase netted nine points.
Down 18-9 after the opening period, the Gators outscored the hosts 15-10 in the second stanza to be in striking distance at the break, trailing 28-24. The Pioneers used a 14-5 third quarter run to regain control.
RSC (2-10/0-3 E8) plays next at Keuka on Saturday at 2:00 pm.
Gator Bites: RSC made its second-consecutive appearance in the Empire 8 Conference Championship Tournament Semifinals last season…Nine players returned from the team…They joined four newcomers to make up this year's roster…Head coach Allison Coleman began her tenth season at the helm with an overall record of 136-84…Acosta started the weekend leading RSC with a 13.5 scoring average, good for fourth in the E8...She now has two career double-doubles.
