Box Score | RPI Fanshop

TROY, N.Y. - The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's basketball team jumped out to a 17-8 lead after the first quarter and 31-17 after two and the Engineers held off Clarkson University, 56-41, in the Liberty League opener for both teams. RPI improves to 4-3 overall, snapping a three-game losing streak, while the Golden Knights fall to 4-3.

Rensselaer shot 44.4% (8 of 18) in the first quarter and Clarkson managed to make just 3 of 9 (33.3%) field goals in the first quarter to open a 9-point edge. RPI increased its lead by five points in the second quarter with six field goals (6 of 23) compared to the Knights' four (4 of 19). Junior Elizabeth Eckhardt had seven first half points with four rebounds for Rensselaer, which got six from three different players. Senior Devin Sorell had seven for Clarkson.

The Golden Knights cut the deficit to 10 points (38-28) on a three-pointer from Tricia Loso late in the third quarter, but a three-pointer from freshman Courtney Lewis off an offensive rebound from Kate Goodell put the Engineers in front by 13 points, 41-28, after 30 minutes.

Sorell made a free throw to open the fourth quarter, but Rensselaer junior Sam Krumbhaar hit a three-pointer and then a jumper and Eckhardt scored on a layup for a 48-29 edge with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. Sorell answered with a three-pointer to make it a 48-32 score, but the Engineers maintained a double-digit margin the rest of the way, ultimately winning by 15 points.

Krumbhaar finished with a game-high 15 points on 7 of 13 shooting with five steals, while LaKissa Martin also reached double digits with 11 points. She also had six rebounds. Eckhardt finished with nine points and Shaina Iton had 10 rebounds with four points. The Engineers had an 18-rebound advantage, 48-30, while forcing 19 turnovers.

Sorell finished with 11 points and six rebounds and Madison Shea scored nine points with six boards. 

Both teams return to the court on Saturday with Liberty League contests. RPI hosts St. Lawrence University and Clarkson visits Skidmore College. Both games begin at 2pm.