Shooting Goes Cold for RPI Women

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's basketball team managed only 13 second half points and the Engineers lost its second straight game for just the second time this season, 58-45 at Union College. RPI drops to 12-7 overall and 8-4 in the Liberty League, while the Dutchwomen are now 8-9 and 5-6.

The Engineers held a 32-26 lead at halftime behind 11 points, including three three-pointers, from sophomore Brielle Sharry. RPI connected on 40 percent of its first quarter shots and 53.8 percent in the second quarter. 

Union came out in the third quarter and made 9 of 13 shots, a percentage of nearly 70 (69.4%), while holding Rensselaer to 3 of 15 for 20 percent. The Dutchwomen outscored their visitors 22-8 for a 48-40 lead heading into the fourth quarter. 

Lyndsey Stone made a layup 11 seconds into the final frame but the teams went scoreless the next 2:38 with Union's Laura Vinton breaking the drought with a three-pointer. A Celia Tomlinson field goal and a Sam Krumbhaar three throw pulled Rensselaer to within six points, 51-45, with 5:06 to play, but the Engineers failed to score again. They were 2 for 17 from the floor in the final 10 minutes. 

Tomlinson had team-highs of 14 points and 17 rebounds, while Sharry finished with 11 points and six boards. Vinton led four Dutchwomen in double figures with 16 points.

Rensselaer is back in action on Friday when it hosts Ithaca College at 5:30pm in a Liberty League game.