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Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Sports

It was a tale of two twenty-minute sessions for the Utica College women's basketball team. In the first half, the defense was communicating well, executing effectively and only gave up 19 points for the entire half. In the second half, the communicating was gone, and as a result, the Pioneers were outscored by 15 points.

As a result of the defensive collapse, the Pioneers fell to Union Dutchwomen 65-54 at Union. "Hopefully we learn from this Saturday and move on," UC Head Coach Michele Davis said. The Pioneers only gave up 19 points in the first half but gave up 46 points in the second half. "We were not communicating really well." Davis said. "With lack of communication, our defense suffered." Davis is well aware that defense wins games and championships. "Teams will stop you from scoring but you should always dictate the defense," Davis explained.

The Pioneers are the defending Empire 8 Champions. They were only the third seed in the tournament but scored two upset wins to earn the championship. The Pioneers hope to repeat as champions and Davis knows what it takes to do so. "We have to be consistent," Davis said. "We have young players but they are experienced young players."

This weekend, the Pioneers will take part in a SUNYIT Invitational as they take on SUNYIT and SUNY Canton. The Pioneers home opener is on Tuesday Dec. 2 as the Pioneers take on local rival Hamilton College. The tipoff is at 7 p.m.

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