TROY, NY - The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's basketball team used a big second half to defeat VTSU Castleton 71-46 this afternoon in ECAV Arena.

After enjoyed a five-point lead after two quarters, the Engineers scored 23 of the next 30 points to extend the margin to more than 20 points in the second half.

Siena Smith led RPI with 16 points and seven rebounds in the victory. Tyler Hormazabal and Ashlyn O'Neil contributed 11 points and six boards apiece to help RPI improve to 8-1 this winter.

The Engineers defense caused trouble for the Spartans all afternoon, as the visitors were held to five or less field goals in each quarter today. RPI forced 21 turnovers and tallied a season-high 18 steals.

RPI also logged its most three-pointers of the season, as the Engineers shot 8-of-16 from deep. RPI connected on three deep balls in a first quarter that saw the Engineers connect on 9 of their 16 attempts from the floor (56.25 percent).

Looking ahead, the Engineers will return to Liberty League play with a 2:00 pm matchup at William Smith College on Saturday.