The Ithaca College women’s basketball team continued its winning streak when it defeated the Utica College Pioneers 70–56 Jan. 26 in Ben Light Gymnasium. The Blue and Gold are currently 14–3 overall and 6–2 in the Empire 8 Conference.

The Blue and Gold took an early 8–0 lead with a 3-pointer by junior guard and forward Julie Yacovoni. The South Hill squad led 20–16 at the end of the first quarter.

A rebound and layup by Ferguson made it a 32–17 game in the middle of the second quarter. At the end of the first half, the Blue and Gold held a 39–24 lead over Utica.

A 3-pointer by junior guard Jordan Beers made it a 44–24 game early in the third quarter. Later, a 3-pointer by sophomore guard Allie Tunick extended the Bombers lead to 55–37. The Blue and Gold held a 55–39 lead at the end of the third quarter. A 3-pointer by Yacovoni extended the Bombers’ lead to 68–50 late in the fourth quarter. The Bombers emerged victorious with a final score of 70–56.

Sophomore forward and guard Sara Jackson said despite the win she thinks there are still things the team can work on.

“I think we really executed our press and we made sure to get those turnovers and get the ball back to our side,” Jackson said. “I think we really should work on our rebounding and making sure we’re executing our offense as well.”

Ferguson led the Bombers with 12 points, while Beers was second with 10  points. Sophomore guard Annie Giannone led the team with six assists and senior guard Ali Ricchiuti led the team with three steals.

For Utica, junior guard Ashley Mayo led the Pioneers offense, as she scored a game-high 17 points. Mayo also led the team with three assists and two steals. Junior forward Alaina Tripp led the team with two blocks.

The South Hill squad returns to action at 2 p.m. Jan. 28 when it hosts St. John Fisher College.