ALBANY, N.Y. – Russell Sage College opened its season by defeating visiting Cazenovia 91-44 tonight in the Kahl Campus Center.

The Gators (1-0), which netted 10 of the first 12 points, used a 25-6 run across 10:03 to hold a 56-27 at the break.

RSC, which shot 48.6 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from three-point range, had a balanced attack in the victory. Seven players scored seven or more points.

Junior forward Bre Lott (Schenectady, NY/Mohonasen) and sophomore guard Syrita Faraj (Troy, NY/Tamarac), the 2021-22 Empire 8 Conference Rookie of the Year, topped the Gators with 15 points apiece. Lott went 5-of-7 from the field, while Faraj grabbed eight rebounds and came up with four steals. Sophomore guard Lauren Sanderson (Ravena, NY/RCS) contributed 10 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Freshman forward/center Alivia Turk topped Cazenovia (0-2) with 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting and nine rebounds. Junior forward Nina Romeo added 11 points, all in the opening 20 minutes, for the Wildcats.

RSC returns to the court on Wednesday vs. Skidmore.  The non-conference action is set to begin at 6:00 pm.

Notes: The Gators are coming off a semifinal appearance in the Empire 8 Conference Championship Tournament…11 players return from the team…Sophomore guard Syrita Faraj (Troy, NY/Tamarac) and senior guard Sammy Pasinella (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) highlight the group…Faraj was voted the 2021-22 E8 Rookie of the Year, while Pasinella, a two-time All-Conference selection, opened the season ranked sixth in program records with 120 career made three-pointers…Head coach Allison Coleman began her ninth season at the helm with an overall record of 119-74.

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