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ALBANY, N.Y. – Five players reached double figures in scoring as the Sage College women's basketball team defeated Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), 83-76, this evening in non-league action from Kahl Gym. With the win, the Gators improve to 3-2, while the Engineers drop to 2-4.

A back and forth first half saw each team brief leads. RPI sophomore Ashley Clough (West Chesterfield, NH/Keene) netted 13 of her game-high 21 points in the opening 20 minutes, on 6 of 11 shooting. Sage junior Jeadell Quinn (New Orleans, LA/McDonough 35) recorded eight points, on 4 of 4 shooting from the field in the opening half.

The Gators had an answer for every Engineers' run throughout the period, including the final possession of the stanza. Sage freshman Frankie Pearson hit a running lay-up at the buzzer to tie the game at 33-33.

After trading baskets to begin the second half, the visitors went on a 5-0 run to take a 40-35 lead, 2:30 in. Junior Amanda Lynch (Middletown, NY/John Burke Catholic) converted on a three-point play to cap the scoring.

Rensselaer maintained a marginal lead until the 8:39 mark of the half, when Sage junior Amie Jefferson (Albany, NY/Colonie Central) scored from inside the lane to give the Gators a 54-53 advantage. Lynch answered on the ensuing RPI possession to regain a one-point edge, but a lay-up by Pearson and a free throw from freshman Krystyn Knockwood (Troy, NY/Troy) put the hosts up 60-56, with 8:30 to play.

Sage did not relinquish the lead for the remained of the contest, seeing its advantage grow to as many as nine points on two occasions, including 78-69, with 2:30 remaining. The Gators shot 52.5% (21 for 40) in the second half.

Pearson led the way for the Gators, scoring 14 points, with four rebounds and two assists. Junior Meagan Bowman (Dannemora, NY/Saranac) chipped in 13 points, while sophomore Sara Tironi (Cambridge, NY/Cambridge Central) had 12.

Aiding Clough offensively was Lynch, who netted 13 points and a team-best six rebounds. Sophomore Ellen Boucher (Williston, VT/Rice Memorial) added 12 points on 4 of 8 shooting, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc.

The Engineers return to the court next Tuesday, when they host Keene State on East Campus Arena (6pm).