TROY, N.Y. - The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's basketball team struggled to score in the second quarter for the second straight game, as their comeback attempt fell short in a 72-62 loss to Ithaca on Saturday afternoon.

RPI started hot, pulling out to en early six point lead and maintaining that when they led 12-6 with 4:23 to play in that opening frame. From that point, the Engineers scored just eight points until halftime as Ithaca grew their lead to 21 points at the break.

Ithaca continued to lead by at least 20 points until the 4:16 mark left to play of the third quarter. A jumper from junior Siena Smith started a 9-0 run over the next two minutes to pull back within 11 points. Ultimately, a key takeway by freshman Sophie Costello and finish on the fastbreak by Tyler Hormazabal brought the Engineers back within single-digits - eight points - heading into the fourth quarter. 

The Engineers never came closer than eight points, as Ithaca held on for the win. Junie Dickson finished with 18 points and seven rebounds for Ithaca, while Hannah Polce added 14. For RPI, Smith was the only one in double-digits with 18 points.

RPI returns to action on Friday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. when they head south to take on Bard.