Albany, NY – The Sage College's women's basketball squad hosted the Knights of Mt. St. Mary College on Tuesday night in the Kahl Gym in a Skyline Conference contest. The host Gators donned their away black jerseys in conjunction with the Lights Out Game and came away with a 79-61 win, marking the first time in the program's history Sage has swept the Knights in conference play on a season. Sage improves to 12-7 overall and 7-2 in the Skyline, while MSMC drops to 3-16 overall and 3-6 in the conference.
Sage's junior guard Krysta Vanacore (Poughquag, NY/Our Lady of Lourdes) exploded for a career-high 20 points in the win, bettering her previous high of 12 points during the 2011-2012 season. Vanacore connected for six three-point baskets and was 7-14 from the floor in pacing the team as they led 42-28 at the break.
Senior forward Chelsea Martin (Davenport, NY/Jefferson Central) made her 91st consecutive start in the contest and in the process tied Sage's career games played mark. The record, which stands at 91 is now shared by four players in Sage women's history. Martin has started 91 consecutive games on her career and will hopefully lay claim to the record with her expected 92nd start on February 8. Martin connected for eight points, elevating her career resume to include 660 points and 495 rebounds.
Sage junior guard Megan Bowman (Dannemora, NY/Saranac) racked up 11 points with seven assists and five steals. She now has 161 career steals (No. 6 at Sage) with 284 assists (No. 3) as she moved ahead of Sherri Elmer (279, 1993-96 & 1997-1998).
Junior Amie Jefferson (Albany, NY/Colonie Central) finished with nine points to help the Gators on the night as they connected for 10 three-point field goals which ranks second all-time at Sage for a single game team performance.
MSMC's senior forward Rachel Perrone (Poughquag, NY/Arlington) added 17 points with seven rebounds for the Knights, while junior forward Natalie Candarelli (Cortlandt Manor, NY/JFK Catholic) added 16 points with five rebounds and a blocked shot.
Sage returns to action on Saturday, February 8 hosting SUNY-Old Westbury in a 1 p.m. Skyline contest. The day will also be filled with plenty of activities showcasing "Summer at Sage" opportunities.