UTICA, N.Y. – Russell Sage College sophomore guard Syrita Faraj (Troy, NY/Tamarac), established a career-high of 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting in Saturday's 90-69 road Empire 8 Conference victory at Utica.  The output was good for fifth-best by an RSC player in a single-game. Faraj, the reigning E8 Rookie of the Year, added 11 rebounds for a double-double.

Forward Giuliana Pritchard (Amsterdam, NY/Amsterdam/Hartwick), a graduate student, also recorded a double-double, her eighth of the season. She scored 18 points, secured 13 rebounds, and dished out four assists.

Senior guard Sammy Pasinella (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) knocked down seven three-pointers en route to 23 points, 20 of which came before the intermission.

Knotted at 24 following the first period, the Gators utilized a 25-8 run spanning 7:00 of the second quarter to head in the locker room ahead 55-42.  Overall, RSC held a double-digit advantage for the final 23:19 of the matinee. 

Senior guard Petrina DeMarco topped Utica (8-10/3-8 E8), now on a four-game slide, with 17 points. She was one of four Pioneers to net double figures. 

RSC (11-7/7-4 E8), which went 2-0 this weekend, hosts Alfred on Friday at 5:30 pm. 

Notes: The Gators are coming off a semifinal appearance in the E8 Conference Championship Tournament…11 players returned from the team…Sophomore guard Syrita Faraj (Troy, NY/Tamarac) and senior guard Sammy Pasinella (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) highlighted the group…Faraj, the 2021-22 E8 Rookie of the Year, surpassed 500 career points on Dec. 29 vs. Rhode Island College…Pasinella, a two-time All-Conference selection, opened the season ranked sixth in program records with 120 career made three-pointers…Forward Giuliana Pritchard (Amsterdam, NY/Amsterdam/Hartwick), a graduate student, surpassed 1,000 career collegiate points on Jan. 13 vs. Medaille...Head coach Allison Coleman began her ninth season at the helm with an overall record of 119-74…She secured her 125th career victory on Dec. 3, 2022 vs. Keuka. 

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