The Rensselaer women’s basketball team increased their winning streak to seven games this weekend with a 59-55 victory over William Smith on Friday and a 93-77 triumph over Hamilton on Saturday in UCAA action.
In Friday’s game the Red Hawks pulled out the close win in a nail-biter against William Smith.
Rensselaer trailed early largely due to the 42 percent first half field goal percentage displayed by William Smith and several costly turnovers committed by the Red Hawks.
With a three point deficit and the Red Hawks’ hopes of a regular season conference title staring them square in the face, Rensselaer responded with a clutch rally in the second half.
RPI was down 53-45 at the 6:15 mark, but finished the game on a 14-2 run behind some timely free-throw shooting by Alyssa Comis, Caitlyn Vestal, and Kaitlyn Saunders combined with stout defense to sneak away with the win.
William Smith went one for 10 from the field during RPI’s late comeback, and they shot just under 30 percent in the second half compared to the Red Hawks’ 44 percent.
Saunders and Vestal both had solid performances for Rensselaer. Saunders led all scorers with 16 points and Vestal added 12. Jacqueline Ferrari had nine points and seven rebounds for the Red Hawks, Kristen Kaczynski had eight points and eight boards, and Comis contributed eight points and seven rebounds.
Anne Hellebush led the way for William Smith with 12 points while teammates Tara Brisson and Pria Young added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Saturday afternoon’s match-up—despite the impressive final margin—was much closer than anticipated as Hamilton made a notable second half run.
Hamilton came out pumped early in the first half and tried to match Rensselaer’s talent with tough, in your face defense, but the Red Hawks quickly adjusted and started to expand their lead.
With a comfortable 43-29 lead at the break it looked as though it would be a cakewalk for Rensselaer, but Hamilton had other ideas.
The Continentals slowly chipped away at Rensselaer’s lead, outscoring RPI 25-11 over the first nine minutes of the second half, and eventually tying the game at 54.
With the game very much up for grabs, both teams battled to gain control of the game’s tempo and style.
The lead shuffled back and forth for over five minutes before the Red Hawks put together another magnificent second half surge, highlighted by more solid defense and superior shooting to secure the victory.
Rensselaer forced Hamilton into 25 turnovers and out rebounded the Continentals 47-34. RPI also shot over 50 percent for the entire game which made it more than difficult for Hamilton to keep pace.
Kaczynski, Saunders, Ferrari, and Vestal all reached double figures in excellent showings for the Red Hawks.
Kaczynski led all scores with 22 points, grabbed seven rebounds and made three steals. Kaczynski—who averaged 13 points, six rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.3 steals—was named UCAA Guard of the Week for the third time this season.
Saunders had 19 points, seven boards, and four assists in the win, while Ferrari added 16 points and Vestal posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 caroms.
Four players also reached double-figures for Hamilton. Kim Beevers had 18 to lead the Continentals, Jessica Gorman and Alicia Goglio scored 15 apiece, and Jill Regan added 14.
RPI defeated Vassar last night 65-42 in a conference game. Saunders and Kaczynski again had big nights to lead the Red Hawks.
Saunders scored 19 points, five rebounds, and five steals, while Kaczynski posted the equally impressive stat line of 16 points, four boards, two assists, and two steals.
The weekend sweep not only improves Rensselaer to 18-4 overall and 10-2 in UCAA play, but it also keeps RPI alive in the hunt for the UCAA regular season crown and the honor of hosting the conference tournament.
After a loss to St. Lawrence and another near defeat at the hands of Clarkson this past weekend, first place Union is looking vulnerable as the UCAA regular season reaches its climax.
The Dutchwomen have fallen to 10-1 in the conference, setting the stage for a season and championship deciding contest this coming Saturday at 2 pm in Robison Gymnasium—assuming both teams win on Friday evening.
Rensselaer will play a struggling Skidmore squad while Union takes on Vassar, both on Friday evening at 6 pm.
