TROY, NY- The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's basketball team was defeated 58-55 by Liberty League-leading Ithaca tonight at ECAV Arena.

The Engineers led by five points going into the fourth quarter, however the visiting Bombers posted a 10-2 run in the middle of the final frame to take a two-point lead with five minutes remaining.

RPI would answer with five straight points to re-establish the advantage with under four minutes to play, setting off a frenzied closing sequence.

Following an Ithaca three-pointer from Junie Dickson to put the Bombers up 55-53 with 1:56 left, the Engineers had a chance to tie the game after a pair of free-throws were awarded to Siena Smith with 13 seconds to go. Smith would hit both attempts, however the second make was nullified by a lane violation.

Smith and Amanda Gallagher finished with 15 points and eight rebounds apiece to led the Engineers. Smith added five steals and Gallagher posted three blocks as well.

Tyler Hormazabal logged 11 points, four assists, and three steals, and Julia Rowe recorded eight points and six boards.

RPI will wrap the weekend with a 2pm home contest against Union tomorrow in ECAV Arena.