Elmira vs. Utica
Game Details	Saturday, Feb. 10 | Elmira, N.Y. | 4:00 p.m.
Game Coverage	Live Video: Video Link Live Stats: Stats Link Live Audio: Audio Link
Utica Links	Roster | Schedule | Stats

ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The Elmira College women's basketball team is set to host Utica College for the Class of 2018 Recognition Day on Saturday, February 10, at Speidel Gymnasium. Opening tip off for the Empire 8 Conference clash is slated for 4:00 p.m.
 
LAST TIME OUT
Elmira was unable to overcome a strong fourth quarter by Nazareth College, as the Soaring Eagles suffered a 60-49 defeat to the Golden Flyers on Thursday evening in Rochester, New York. After with the score sitting at 35-34 after three quarters, the two teams looked primed to continue this back-and-forth play in the final frame. This was not the case, however, as Nazareth went on to make five of its seven 3-pointers in the period, which allowed them to secure a double-digit lead that lasted for the rest of the game. Lauren Franklin '20 was EC's best player on the night, as she tallied team highs in both points (15) and rebounds (9). Rachel Vespucci '19 also came close to a double-double with nine points and eight boards. Lindsey Heaton '19 rounded out Elmira's double-digit scorers with 10 points.
 
THANK YOU SENIORS
Saturday's bout will serve as the EC's Class of 2018 Recognition Day. Despite having just two seniors on the roster, the graduations of both Danielle Cleary '18 and Emily Green '18 will be a tough experience to overcome. Cleary will go down as one of the greatest to don the Purple and Gold, as she is the program's all-time leader in made free throws (377), is two points (1,456) shy of becoming the program's second-highest career scorer, and is listed on many more single-season and career leaderboards. Green, a three-year starter after transferring from Division II Francis Marion University, is averaging career highs in points (10.8) and assists per game (2.0) in 2017-18. Known for her 3-point shot in her time as a Soaring Eagle, Green needs just one more trey to tie Rachel Carlson '93 (90) for the 10th-most in program history.
 
SCOUTING UTICA
With an 8-14 overall record and a 4-9 mark inside conference play, the Pioneers find themselves on the outside looking in for the E8 Championship Tournament. In its most recent bout on Thursday, Utica suffered a 67-63 defeat to Hartwick on the road in Oneonta, New York. The Pioneers have struggled all season away from the Harold T. Clark Athletic Center, as they are just 2-9 in 11 road games this season. Many of those setbacks have not been close, as six came by 10-or-more points. Leading this team has been the guard duo of Ashley Mayo and Ashelyne Babb, as the two seniors are either first or second on the Pioneers in points, assists, and steals per game. Mayo paces the team in scoring with 12.5 points per game, while also ranking second in assists (1.9) and steals (2.0). Babb is not far behind her classmate with 11.7 points per game, addition to averaging a team-high 4.0 assists and a league-leading 2.6 steals per game.
 
SERIES HISTORY
The all-time series between Elmira and Utica has featured 56 all-time meetings. The Pioneers hold a 29-27 lead over EC edging Elmira by a 62-53 final score earlier this year. The Purple and Gold's last win over Utica came by a 56-53 final score on January 15, 2016.
 
UP NEXT
The Soaring Eagles will play their final road game of the regular season on Tuesday, February 13, against St. John Fisher College. Tip off for the bout is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at the Manning and Napier Varsity Gym in Rochester, New York.