TROY, N.Y. - The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's basketball team shot close to 50% from the floor and 60% from three-point range in defeating Simmons College, 80-40, in the season opener for both teams on Saturday at East Campus Arena. 

The Engineers jumped out to a 21-13 lead after the opening 10 minutes, thanks to an 11-5 run over the final three minutes of the period. RPI then held the Sharks to just seven points in the second quarter for a 41-20 lead at halftime. 

RPI's advantage grew to as large as 43 points on two occasions in the second half, including 80-37 with 2:20 to go. 

Eleven different players found the scoresheet for the Engineers, including a game-high 12 points each from senior Bailei Tetrault (Cohoes, NY/Cohoes) and freshman LaKissa Martin (Las Vegas, NV/Rancho). Fellow rookie Elizabeth Eckhardt (Albany, NY/Guilderland) chipped in with 10 points and four rebounds, while junior Lauren Young (Kirkwood, MO/St. Joseph Academy) had six points and a game-best six assists.

Simmons was led by sophomore Presley Silva (Wilmington, MA/Arlington Catholic), who had eight points, four rebounds and three assists.

Rensselaer is back in action on Thursday, when it visits Utica College (6pm). The Sharks travel to Wellesley on Wednesday (7pm).