Box Score

TROY, NY (January 22, 2008) – Vassar's women's basketball team broke out to an early 8-2 first half lead on Rensselaer last night and trailed by only seven points at halftime, 31-24, but a strong second half surge by the Red Hawks led to a 67-43 victory in Liberty League play at Robison Gym. The loss, Vassar's third straight, leaves the Brewers at 4-7, 0-3. RPI improves to 6-7, 1-2. The Brewers continue Liberty League play this Friday and Saturday with games at Clarkson and St. Lawrence.

Vassar held a 23-19 lead with 3:49 to play in the first half on a basket by freshman forward Eleanor Albert (Clinton, NY, Clinton). RPI closed out the first half on a 12-1 run for its 31-24 halftime lead.

RPI kept its momentum going strong to start the second half, going on a 15-0 run that built a commanding 46-24 lead with 13:32 to play. That 22 point margin was enough cushion to keep the Brewers at bay. Vassar was able to cut the margin to 14 points on a 3-pointer by sophomore guard Ashley Sherman (Hewlett Harbor, NY/Lynbrook) with 7:46 to play, but the Red Hawks answered with a mini 7-2 spurt that built the lead to 19 points (59-40) with 5:42 to play. From that point on, RPI was in control and closed out the game.

The Brewers managed only 27 percent field goal shooting and only 15 percent from 3-point range. RPI was marginally better, shooting 37 percent and 28 percent from long range. The difference came in rebounding, where the Red Hawks held a 53-33 advantage.

Vassar was led in scoring by sophomore forward Emily Haeuser (South Portland, ME/South Portland) with 10 points and six rebounds. Senior guard Chelsea Katzenberg (Middlesex, VT/U-32) had seven points while sophomore forward Emma Carmichael (Brattleboro, VT/Brattleboro Union) had eight rebounds.

RPI placed four players in double figures, led by junior Kerry Hayes (Nashua, NH/Nashua North) with 14 points. Junior Elizabeth Barker (Suffield, CT/Cathedral) had a 12 point, 16 rebound outing.