SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's basketball team fell short of victory on Tuesday evening, as the Engineers were defeated by Union by a final score of 60-45.  
 
RPI gained the early advantage, shooting 50 percent from the field in the opening 10 minutes and putting up a 15-10 lead. However, the offense fell off in the second quarter, scoring only seven points as Union put up their highest output in a quarter on the night with 19 as the Garnet Chargers took a 29-22 lead into the half.
 
Union maintained their lead through the second half, despite RPI's offensive pressure. A layup from Nicole DaPra at the buzzer to end the third quarter gave Union just a 10 point lead heading to the final frame. However, a three-pointer to start the fourth quarter killed the RPI momentum as the Garnet Chargers hung on for the win.
 
The Engineers were led by a 15-point game from junior Siena Smith, while DaPra tossed in 13 points and snagged nine rebounds. Ahnalese Pearson also got into double-digits with 10 points, while Danielle Strauf added a team-high four assists.
 
For Union, Jelena Perovic led the way with 19 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the floor, with Emma Riley added 12 points. Union went 5-for-11 from three-point range, while the Engineers shot just 3-for-20 from long-range.
 
RPI returns to action on Friday, Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. when they square off with RIT at ECAV Arena in Liberty League action.