Coming into this week, the RPI women’s basketball team held its future in its own hands with three games remaining on the schedule. Hanging on to the fourth and final spot in the Liberty League playoff picture, the Red Hawks needed only one victory to ensure a berth into Liberty League Tournament play.
The women took care of business early and got the win out of the way, leaving little room for any dramatics. Their first game of the week was on the road Tuesday night against Vassar. The lead wavered back and forth throughout the entirety of the first half with multiple lead changes, and RPI found itself trailing by one at the half.
When play resumed, the Red Hawks were able to fight back and take the lead, one which they would hold onto for the remainder of the game. Their strong play was crucial as Rensselaer ended up winning by the final score of 69-53.
Junior Kristi Baranowski recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Destany Eagles, also a junior guard, added 11 points of her own, and sophomore Tory Lyons finished with 10 points and six rebounds, providing a solid lift off the bench.
With no pressure weighing on their shoulders, the women returned home to take on Skidmore College on Friday. Freshman Whitney Coleman caught fire in the first half and propelled the Red Hawks to an early lead. Her 14 points in the early going, including eight from the free-throw line, were a nice lift and helped RPI take a nine-point advantage into the break.
The Thoroughbreds, however, were able to make a push in the second, and trimmed the lead to just two points. The Red Hawks were poised and patient, and with a 13-4 run as their catalyst, jumped out to an 11-point lead in crunch time. Skidmore could only come as close as seven down the stretch, as Rensselaer was able to hold off their opponent, for the 67-59 victory.
Coleman would total a game high of 20 points, shooting a respectable 10-17 from the field. Kristin Danbury, also a freshman, tallied 14 points of her own while Baranowski and Tory Lyons scored 13 apiece to pace the Red Hawks.
The next day, the women took on Union for their final game of the regular season. The Red Hawks struggled mightily in the first half. The Dutchwomen were able to build continuously on their lead, one that would stretch to thirteen as both teams headed into the break.
In the second half, RPI displayed a lot of heart fighting back from a 13-point halftime deficit. The Red Hawks made an initial push that cut the lead to nine with just over three minutes remaining. Then they went on another run which trimmed the lead to three, with the score being 62-59 as the game headed into the final minute.
With the game on the line, however, Union guard Selin Whitham knocked down two clutch free throws to seal the victory, winning 64-61.
The Dutchwomen were led by senior Erica Eisenhut who had a game high 28 points, and junior Krystal Hammond who had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Coleman scored 22 points for Rensselaer. Baranowski had nine points and nine boards, while Caitlyn Charest chipped in with nine points of her own in addition to six assists.
In the long run, the loss was not important. Of course, the Red Hawks would like to be rolling as they head into tournament play, but they played very well, and were able to fight their way out of a double-digit hole. In the end, what matters is that RPI’s season is not over and instead goes on this weekend. This Friday, the Red Hawks will take on William Smith in the first round of the Liberty League Tournament. The game will be in Geneva, N.Y., at 8 pm.
