POTSDAM, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's basketball team won a back-and-forth Liberty League battle this afternoon, pulling away late for a 70–58 victory over Clarkson at Alumni Gymnasium.

Siena Smith delivered a dominant all-around performance with a game-high 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting, adding four steals and three rebounds as the Engineers sealed the third seed in the the upcoming Linerty League playoffs.

The game featured constant momentum swings early, with 12 lead changes and five ties overall. Tyler Hormazabal opened the scoring with a three off a Smith assist, and RPI stayed aggressive in transition throughout the first quarter behind buckets from Sophie Costello, Megan Heyns, and Danielle Strauf. Smith capped the opening frame with a driving layup in the final 30 seconds to give the Engineers a narrow 21–20 edge after one.

Clarkson briefly surged in front early in the second, but RPI responded with its most efficient stretch of the half. Emilia Rojik scored twice in the paint, Heyns knocked down a pair of threes, and Smith attacked downhill for both a jumper and a fast-break layup as the Engineers reclaimed control. RPI shot better than 45 percent in the period and took a 39–38 lead into halftime after closing the quarter on a 7–0 run.

The Engineers began to separate in the third. Smith scored five quick points on a layup and free throw, then assisted Costello on a right-wing three to extend the lead to seven. RPI's defensive pressure forced multiple Clarkson turnovers, which turned into transition scores, and a Smith fast-break finish just before the midpoint of the quarter pushed the margin to nine. RPI carried a 56–50 advantage into the fourth.

Rensselaer closed the door in the final ten minutes with poised execution. Brooke Boyle scored on a short jumper to open the quarter, Hormazabal added a pull-up jumper off a Sydney Blaney assist, and Smith came up with a steal that led to a coast-to-coast layup for a double-digit lead. Heyns was perfect in the closing stretch, converting four straight free throws in the final two minutes, while Hormazabal and Blaney added late finishes to seal the 70–58 win.

Smith's 23 points led all players, while Heyns delivered a key bench performance with 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range. Rojik added eight points, Hormazabal contributed eight points with five rebounds and three steals, and Costello chipped in seven points and two assists.

The Engineers will host sixth-seeded Skidmore in an opening round matchup on Tuesday night, with tip off time still be determined.