CAZENOVIA, N.Y. –  Russell Sage College began its season by winning 82-43 this evening at Cazenovia.

Senior guard Sammy Pasinella (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) (above), a first-team All-Empire 8 Conference pick last season, equaled a career-high with 29 points in the non-conference victory. She shot 11-of-17 from the field, including 6-of-10 from three-point range.

Sophomore forward Savannah Sommer (Mohawk, NY/Central Valley Academy) added a "double-double" of 12 points and 11 rebounds, both career-bests.

The Gators got rolling early in their opener, scoring the first 13 points. The 5:33 stretch, part of a larger 19-4 run, put RSC up 39-19 going into the locker room.

Freshman forward Riley Miner led Cazenovia (0-2) with 12 points. 

Looking ahead, Sage (1-0) competes at the Emmanuel Tournament on Saturday and Sunday. The Gators begin their stay in Beantown by playing Moravian on Saturday at 1:00 pm. 

Notes: Nine returnees plus six newcomers comprise this year's roster...Head Coach Allison Coleman, now in her eighth season, began the campaign with a 106-60 (.639) overall record. 

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