Albany, NY — Russell Sage College women's soccer team opened the 2021 season on Wednesday afternoon hosting the Red Dragons of SUNY-Cortland in a non-conference match. RSC posted a 2-1 win to improve to 1-0 on the young season, while Cortland drops to 0-1.

RSC's rookie defender Amelia Geesler (Glenmont, NY/Bethlehem Central) scored the first goal of the day on a pass from sophomore forward Marissa Key (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) as the Gators capitalized on the play off a corner kick at 4:05.  About five minutes later, senior forward Natalie Ricci (Cohoes, NY/Cohoes) had a break away and beat the Red Dragon keeper, junior Kiersten Becker (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) as she connected at 9:11 for what would be the game-winner, her fourth on her career.

Cortland's junior midfielder Katrina Klammer (Mahopac, NY/Mahopac) scored to pull the Red Dragons within one goal on a pass from graduate performer Alannah O'Shea (New Hyde Park, NY/Herricks) at 14:00. 

The score remained at 2-1 the rest of the way and despite a few scoring opportunities by Cortland, RSC held on for a 2-1 win.

RSC's rookie goalie Kiersten Lynch (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) made six saves in her 45 minutes of work with 1 goal allowed. Senior Mickaela Buzzy (Oneonta, NY/Oneonta) worked the second half also making six saves on eight shots for Cortland. Cortland's Becker made one save on three RSC shots with two goals allowed.

RSC is back in action on September 4 travelling to SUNY New Paltz for a 1 p.m. contest.