Utica, N.Y. (11/15/2010) – Senior forward Jessica Berry netted a team-high 25 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the Utica College women's basketball team cruised to a 66-48 season-opening victory against host Potsdam State Monday night. The Pioneers, who went to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the second time in three years last season, opened up a 15 point lead in the first 11:54 of the contest and never looked back.

Senior guard Devon Croll added 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the floor, while sophomore Meghan Fiore came off the bench and added 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Berry also chipped in with four assists, four steals and two blocks.

The UC defense forced 28 turnovers and held the Bears to just 22 second half points en route to the convincing 18 point victory. The Pioneers opened the second half on a 14-2 run over the course of the first 7:48 to extend its lead to as many as 23 points. Utica would never relinquish its double digit lead for the remainder of the contest.

Sophomore Danielle Busansky came off the bench and drilled two 3-pointers for Utica while starting shooting guard Stephanie Nara added four points and three assists for Utica.

Aimmee Kellicutt led the way for Potsdam with 19 points but she also had 11 turnovers. Last season the Pioneers beat the Bears 71-62 in the season opener.

Utica returns to the hardwood on Friday night when the Pioneers travel to Keene, N.H. to participate in the KSC Adrenaline Circuit Tip Off Tournament at 5 p.m.

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