ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira College women's basketball team honored Sara Gardner '23 and Taylor Albrecht '22 on Senior Day against Utica on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers would come out on top, edging the Soaring Eagles 73-64. The Pioneers, who were able to get to the line a staggering 23 times, converted on 21 of its attempts for a percentage of 91.3%, while the Purple & Gold made just six visits to the stripe in the contest.
Desiree Roy '25 would post another double-double in 30 minutes of play, scoring 17 points while collecting 10 rebounds.
JUST THE BASICS:
SCORE: Elmira 64, Utica 73
LOCATION: Elmira, New York | Speidel Gymnasium
TEAM RECORDS: Elmira (14-9, 10-7 E8), Utica (10-12, 5-10 E8)
The first quarter would prove to be the highest scoring frame for both sides, with Utica holding a 22-19 edge after the first quarter. Elmira, who shot a game-high 50.0% in the quarter, were outshot by a pair as the Pioneers finished shooting 9-of-15 in the quarter (60.0%).
Nevaeh Winston '25 would post five points in each of the first two quarters for Elmira, while Roy would finish the first half with seven points and three rebounds. The Soaring Eagles went into the locker room down nine, with the Pioneers holding onto a 42-33 lead.
In the second half, the teams would play even basketball, with each squad posting 31 points. The Pioneers used success from the free throw line, along with 17 points from turnovers in the Soaring Eagle loss. Despite holding a 9-3 advantage in offensive rebounds, the Soaring Eagles were outscored 7-6 in second chance points.
ELMIRA LEADERS (37.5%, 27-of-72 from the floor)
Desiree Roy- 17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals
Nevaeh Winston - 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
Laura Bogota - 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
UTICA LEADERS (38.1%, 24-of-63 from the floor)
McKenzie Simmons - 14 points, 11 rebounds
Krissy Geraci - 17 points, 5 rebounds
UP NEXT:
The Soaring Eagles will round out the regular season a week from today when heading to Alfred University to take on the Saxons. Tip is set for 2:00 PM before Elmira makes its first playoff appearance on Tuesday, February 21 with location and opponent to be determined.
