UTICA, NY – The St. John Fisher University women's basketball team traveled to Utica University, on Tuesday evening to play their first game of the 2023 year. The Cardinals had a strong game, winning 76-41 against the Pioneers. Fisher now increases their record to 8-2, after winning their fourth game in a row and sit at 3-0 in Empire 8 play.

The first quarter started in the Cardinal's favor, with Kaitlyn Walker scoring the first layup of the game. The Cardinals increased their lead, thanks to a good three-pointer by Claire Kruszka and a layup by Sidney Tomasso. Utica ended the streak with a good free throw, however, that did not last long, thanks to a six-point run that included two layups by Presleigh Brunner and a good layup by Walker. The first quarter ended with Walker making two free-throws, and the Cardinals were leading 17-5.

Fisher started the second quarter strong, scoring two three-pointers from Emily McLaughlin and Tomasso. Tomasso picked up two good free throws before the Pioneers scored four unanswered points. Katie Moravec ended this run with a layup, pushing the lead to 27-9. The two teams went back and forth, with Utica ending the half with a four-point run, but the Cardinals lead 44-26.

Walker was quick to end the run in the third, scoring a layup less than forty seconds in. The Cardinals went on a ten-point run that ended shortly after a good layup by Walker. Fisher and Utica alternated points for a few minutes, until Kelly Moravec scored five unanswered points, thanks to a layup and a three-pointer. The quarter ended with the Cardinals increasing their lead to 67-32.

The final quarter was slow to start, with Utica scoring a layup more than a minute in. The Pioneers went on a five-point run, ended by a good jumper by Brunner. The rest of the quarter was low scoring , with no one scoring for nearly three minutes. Tessa Schuey ended this lull with a good jumper. Utica scored the last few points of the game, however that was not enough, with the Cardinals winning 76-41.

Walker led the game with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists. Tomasso was a little behind, scoring 13 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out three assists. Brunner also had a strong night, scoring 11 points and having five rebounds. Kruszka played 21 minutes, scoring seven points, two rebounds, and collecting an assist.

The Cardinals travel to Houghton University on Friday, January 6 for a 5:30 pm matchup against the Highlanders.

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