TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's basketball team posted their second straight win on Tuesday night, as the Engineers used a 25-point, 12-rebound effort from junior Siena Smith to defeat the William Smith Herons by a final score of 74-55.
 
The Engineers came out the gate quick, shooting at a 56.7% percent clip in the first half. In total, RPI put up 50 points, doubling up on the Herons in the first half leading 50-25 at the midway point. Smith had 15 at the midway point, with all Engineers who saw the floor in the first half scoring at least one bucket apiece.
 
RPI grew their largest lead to 29 points with 7:29 to play in the third quarter, leading 56-27 at that point. The Engineers cooled off on offense in the second half, but still held the Herons to just 3-for-17 from three-point range to hang on for the win.
 
Ahnalese Pearson and Nicole DaPra each led the team with four assists, while Smith added five steals and two blocks to her resume for the evening.
 
For William Smith, Mara Bledsoe put up 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the floor and a 4-for-5 mark from the free throw line.
 
The Engineers return to action on Friday, Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m. when they hit the road to take on Ithaca in Liberty League play.