ALBANY, N.Y. – Russell Sage College led 22-9 after the opening quarter on its way to this afternoon's 70-54 Empire 8 Conference victory over visiting Keuka.

Forward Giuliana Pritchard (Amsterdam, NY/Amsterdam/Hartwick), a graduate student, keyed the early onslaught. She tallied 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting with seven boards in the first period. Prtichard finished with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals in the home win. The transfer, now with three double-doubles on the young season, had 16 points on 7-of-7 shooting and eight boards in the first half.

Sophomore guard Syrita Faraj (Troy, NY/Tamarac), the reigning E8 Rookie of the Year, contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, while senior guard Sammy Pasinella (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) added 13 points of 5-of-10 shooting

The visiting Wolves (3-5/0-2 E8) trailed by at least seven during the final 30 minutes, including 36-26 at the break.

Freshman guard Mary Cotter paced Keuka with 22 points.

Looking ahead, RSC (6-1/2-0 E8) competes next on December 29 and 30 at the Puerto Rico Clasico Tournament.

Notes: Pritchard averaged 19.5 points on 59.0 percent shooting, 9.0 rebounds, 6.33 assists, 1.33 blocks, and 1.33 steals across the past three contests, all victories...Faraj recorded 19.0 points and 15.3 rebounds during the same stretch...The Gators are coming off a semifinal appearance in the Empire 8 Conference Championship Tournament…11 players returned from the team…Faraj and Pasinella 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 recorded her 125th career win in the contest as she is now 125-75 in her nine seasons at the helm. The game also marked her 200th career appearance on the Gator sidelines.

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