Box Score

WORCESTER, Mass. - Sophomore Whitney Coleman (Etiwanda, CA/Etiwanda) made the second of two free throws with one second remaining in regulation to put Rensselaer ahead and the Red Hawks defeated WPI, 55-54.  The win is the first of the season for RPI, which is now 1-3, while the Engineers fall to 3-3.

Rensselaer made 50% (15 of 30) of its first half shots while holding WPI to 36.7% (11 for 30) to build a 34-29 lead at the break.  RPI's defense held true in the second half, holding the Engineers to just 33.3% (8 for 24) shooting in the second half on its way to victory.

Sophomore Elizabeth Barker (Springfield, MA/Cathedral) was the catalyst for the Red Hawks, scoring 13 points on 6 of 8 shooting with a game-best 11 rebounds (5 offensive) and two blocked shots.  Senior Kristi Baranowski (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool) scored a team-high 15 points with five rebounds, including three offensive.  Coleman had seven points, five rebounds (2 off.), and two assists.

Senior forward Meghan Pajonas (Bristol, CT/St. Paul Catholic) led WPI with game-highs of 18 points and 11rebounds (5 off).  Freshman guard Kaileen Selen (Worcester, MA/St. Peter-Marian) added 16 points off the bench.

Rensselaer returns to action on Tuesday night against city-rival Russell Sage (6pm) at Robison Gym.  The Engineers travel to Brandeis on Wednesday for a 7pm tip-off.