The Rensselaer women’s basketball team went 1-1 in UCAA conference play for the second straight weekend, losing to an excellent Union team 63-53 on Friday, before blowing out a struggling Skidmore 74-57 on Saturday.

Union did to Rensselaer what it has done to all the UCAA opponents this season, win and win convincingly.

It was clear from the game’s opening tap that Rensselaer would have their hands full against the Dutchwomen as Union came out on fire, shooting 58 percent from the field, scorching the RPI defense for 32 first half points.

As the Red Hawks struggled to contain the sizzling Union squad, they did little to help their situation on the offensive end of the floor.

Rensselaer shot just 25 percent from the field in the first half and got just under half of their 19 total points at halftime from the free throw line.

In the second half little changed for the Red Hawks. The RPI defense appeared helpless to stop the Union assault as the Dutchwomen continued to shoot well boasting a shooting percentage just over 50 percent.

The Red Hawks did shoot better—31 percent—in the second half, chipping the lead down to 10 in what proved to be a futile comeback effort.

Union simply dominated Rensselaer in every aspect of the game. The Dutchwomen did something to RPI that has not occurred all season; they controlled the paint as the Red Hawks were outscored by Union 32-16 in the lane.

Union also doubled up the Red Hawks in the assist category. The Dutchwomen dished out 19 dimes compared to a mere five for Rensselaer. RPI’s poor ball movement plagued the Red Hawks’ offense from getting solid looks at the basket and getting the ball to open teammates.

Kaitlyn Saunders lead the Red Hawks with 16 points and six steals in the lost while four Dutchwomen—Emily Scott, Melissa Marra, Katlyn Cunningham, and Taryn Scinto—reached double figures for Union.

Rensselaer bounced back well Saturday against a sub .500 opponent in Skidmore.

The unpredictable Rensselaer squad decided to show its good side, which was unfortunate for the Thoroughbreds.

RPI led Skidmore in every significant statistical category. The Red Hawks finally started hitting shots as they went 46 percent from the field and just over 36 percent from long range compared to a respectable 34 percent by the Thoroughbreds.

The Red Hawks also had more assists (20) and rebounds (47), and fewer turnovers (17) than Skidmore.

Saunders scored 18 points, grabbed eight boards, handed out five assists, and made five steals in another excellent overall performance by the junior forward.

Saunders, however, did not win the game on her own. Senior captain Jacqueline Ferrari had 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists while seniors Kelly Choppy and Alyssa Comis added 10 and nine respectively.

Skidmore’s Lauren Jones led all scores with a 22-point performance for the Thoroughbreds.

Rensselaer is in second place in the UCAA after this weekend’s spilt with a 5-2 conference record and the Red Hawks are 12-4 overall.

In order to win the regular season title and gain that cherished home court advantage for the UCAA tournament, the Red Hawks will need to win out and get a little help to catch the undefeated Dutchwomen of Union.

RPI will return home next weekend to play St. Lawrence Friday and Clarkson Saturday as they begin their final trip through the UCAA.