POTSDAM, N.Y. - Senior Abbey Salvon recorded five points and classmate Aleena Milinski made 16 saves to lead the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's lacrosse team to a 10-8 victory over Clarkson University, on Saturday afternoon at Hantz Turf Field. With the win, the Engineers improve to 4-0 overall (1-0 Liberty League), while the Golden Knights drop to 2-3 (0-1 Liberty League).

RPI trailed for much of the first half after taking a 2-1 lead 4:15 into the contest on Salvon's first of four on the day. Clarkson quickly answered, before going on a 5-1 run to take a 6-3 with just over eight minutes left in the frame. 

A late first half, man-down tally by Salvon brought the visitors to within 6-4 at the break. The Golden Knights held a 16-10 edge in shots through 30 minutes, but RPI took the ground ball battle, 17-11.

The Engineers netted the the first two goals of the second half, as Salvon and sophomore Lexi Dechiario knotted the score at 6-6, just 2:29 in.

Sydney Roderick gave Clarkson a brief 7-6 advantage four minutes later, but Salvon came back with another timely tally - her third of the game - the tie it up at 7-7. The goal was followed by two more from classmate Michelle Bolger, opening up a 9-7 RPI lead, which was its largest of the game with 8:12 remaining. 

RPI continued its stout defensive play before Clarkson was able to break through with 2:36 left, as Aubrey Borgesi brought the hosts within 9-8. Borgesi then had a free-position shot to tie the game 30 seconds later, bu Milinski was able to make the save.

Salvon nearly added an insurance tally with 19 seconds left, but her bid at a fifth goal hit the post. The attempt did reset the shot clock, however, and RPI was able to run more time off the clock, before sophomore Nora Molino capped the scoring with a goal as time expired.

Milinski made 10 of her 16 stops in the second half, while Samantha Gladd had seven stops at the other end of the field. RPI held the Golden Knights to 1 for 12 shooting on free-position attempts, while the Engineers were 3 for 6. Overall shot attempts in the second half were even at 14-14.

The Engineers are back in action next Friday and Saturday, when they host William Smith (4pm) and RIT (2pm), respectively. Clarkson takes on Rowan University in Florida on Wednesday (10am).