A Game for Brooks Miles

    It looked like your typical Utica College Women's Basketball practice. Players got rebounds, shot jumpers and even had a little scrimmage... All to prepare for their game tomorrow. But the Pioneers have a little extra jump in their step knowing they're playing for more than just a win.

                Sophomore Guard Christy Traglia says, "We're not just here to play basketball we're here for the community and I think it's great, whatever we can do to just get out there and show our support."

                The Pioneers will be playing a game for Coach Davis' cousin who lost a son four years ago, She says, "They lost their baby in April of 2008 from a heart condition, sadly he was only a day old."

            Utica is two days removed from playing a grueling 4 game stretch, but that hasn't stopped this team from focusing in on everything surrounding Friday's game.

            "We're pretty much like a family so everything affects us across the board, we always do the breast cancer game, and we do different charity events. So, to add to this and for it to hit home so much, being close to us, adds a lot to it" says Senior Forward Meghan Fiore.

            Coach Davis added, "Even though, my players aren't all from the area, you know we've got kids from New Hampshire and Pittsburgh and Massachusetts and Connecticut, this is their home right now and they like to give back to the community their living in now."

            Traglia added, "We want to go out there and show that we're here to support her and everybody else, just get out there and show we're ready to work."