UTICA, N.Y. - The Elmira College Soaring Eagles women's basketball team traveled to Utica, N.Y. for a conference matchup with the Pioneers of Utica University. The Soaring Eagles rallied late to overcome the Pioneers and capture the victory, 48-44. 

PLAY-BY-PLAY
Utica opened the scoring in the contest with a jump shot. Kelsey Stewart got the Soaring Eagles on the board with a jumper of her own followed by a Lauren Miller three-pointer. Miller hit another three a few minutes later as both teams traded baskets throughout the first quarter. The Pioneers closed the quarter with four consecutive points and led 13-9 heading into the second quarter. Emma Ryan opened with a three-pointer that cut the Pioneers advantage to just one. Utica went on a 10-1 run over the next several minutes and started to pull away from Elmira. A layup by Aynsley Belcher regained some momentum for EC but the Soaring Eagles still trailed 23-15 at the half.

Amarionah Dixon opened the second half on fire, scoring nine points in the first four minutes, part of an 11-6 run for the Soaring Eagles. Elmira used the momentum going forward, getting a three-pointer from Mallory Welty, followed by an And-1 from Ryan to even up the contest at 32. Utica once again ended the quarter on a 4-0 run to pull ahead 37-34 after the third. Dixon and Ryan scored early in the fourth to tie up the game. A five-point run by Utica put them ahead but Elmira answered right back, tying up the game at 44 courtesy of a layup from Sophia Ward. With 25 seconds left, Dixon's layup gave Elmira the advantage. The defense locked it down for the Soaring Eagles to secure the win, 48-44.

LEADERS
Elmira was led by Dixon who had a double-double, tallying 14 points and 11 rebounds. Ryan added 11 points that included a pair of three pointers. 

UP NEXT
The Soaring Eagles travel to Keuka College for a conference matchup with the Wolves. Tip-off is set for 5:30 pm.