Keene, N.H. (11/19/2010) – The Utica College women's basketball team defeated Castleton State 68-49 in the opening round of the Keene State College Tip-off Tournament Friday night. Senior forward Jessica Berry led the way for Utica with a game-high 21 points and ten rebounds marking her second straight double-double to open the season. Utica (2-0) advances to the championship game Saturday and will take on host Keene State at 3 p.m.

Leading 13-11 early on, the Pioneers outscored the Spartans 22-4 the rest of the half to take a 35-15 lead at the break. Berry, who hit six of her seven shots from the field in the first 20 minutes, had 13 first half points for Utica.

Utica, which advanced to the NCAA tournament last season, extended its lead to as many as 26 points (66-40) in the second half.

Sophomore Meghan Fiore also had a strong performance of the bench, hitting eight of her 10 attempts from the field on the way to finishing with 17 points. Junior point guard Katie McGee added 11 points and six assists. Senior guard Devon Croll had six points and five assists, while senior sharpshooter Stephanie Nara added six points. 

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