Box Score

TROY, N.Y. – Williams College held the Red Hawks to just 21.2% shooting in the second half and went on to defeat Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), 70-55 in non-conference action this evening. The Ephs improve to 2-2 overall while the Red Hawks fall to 2-4 on the season.

Rensselaer jumped out to an early 15-6 lead through the first eight minutes of the contest, but solid pressure and costly turnovers by the Red Hawks quickly resulted in a tie game. Williams went on a 9-0 run over the next four minutes to make it 15 all at 7:52.

Behind a lay-up and a free throw from senior forward Tory Lyons (Feeding Hills, MA/Agawam), the Red Hawks regained control, but the lead proved to be short-lived as the Ephs went on another run (10-0) for a commanding 35-25 lead with 3:04 remaining.

A number of RPI turnovers and key shooting by freshman Taylor Shea (Allendale, NJ/Northern Highlands), who went 5-of-11 from the floor in the first half, saw Williams take a 39-32 lead into the locker room.

The Ephs opened the second half with continued pressure, gaining a ten point advantage (45-35) just three minutes into the frame off a pair of free throws by junior guard Mika Peterman (Los Altos, CA/Castilleja), who scored 13 of her game-high 19 points in the second half.

Peterman recorded seven straight points, including a shot from beyond the arc, to give the visitors a 17 point lead (52-35) with 15:41 remaining. Rensselaer tried to close the gap through the final 15 minutes, but Williams continued to press, forcing the Red Hawks to commit 11 turnovers for a total of 24 in the game.

In addition to Peterson, Shea finished with 17 points and seven rebounds. Freshman Chessie Jackson (Goleta, CA/Dos Pueblos) chipped in with 13 points and five caroms.

For Rensselaer, junior Elizabeth Barker (Suffield, CT/Cathedral) had a team-high 15 points and a game-best 14 rebounds. Lyons added 12 points and six boards.

RPI is back in action on Thursday when it travels to Mt. Holyoke for a non-league game at 7pm.