Utica, NY–Sage's women's basketball team traveled to Utica College on Tuesday evening for the two team's Empire 8 opener. Sage posted the 71-66 victory to improve 5-7 overall and 1-0 in the league, while Utica drops to 7-5 overall and 0-1 in the conference. Sage led 32-21 at the half and despite a few Pioneer runs, never fell behind in the second half en route to the key opening night league win.

Pacing the Gators to the win was senior tri-captain Megan Flynn (Hoosick Falls, NY/Hoosick Falls Central) as the forward had her 11^th career double-double after scoring 24 points with 17 rebounds. The 24 points by Flynn ties her career-high from earlier this season. Graduate player Kaitlyn Bowman (Chateaugay, NY/Saranac) racked up a double-double as well with 12 points and 16 boards for her 11^th career double-double. Bowman added six assists in the contest and leads Sage this season with 52 assists.

Nine different players scored for Sage as junior forward Madasyn Bush (Pottersville, NY/North Warren Central) added nine points with three rebounds and two assists as well.

Sage's Bowman now has 832 career points, putting her 12^th on the scoring list as she surpassed Erin Willis (822 points (1999-2004) on Tuesday. Bowman also has made 212 career free throws and is currently fifth on the career list, while her 232 career assists is now eighth behind the program's all-time assist leader, Bowman's older sister, Megan Bowman (458, 2011-2015). Bowman has also now played in 94 games at Sage with 91 starts and is tied for 8^th. She also has 673 career rebounds and is fourth on the career list. Flynn now has 658 career points with 534 rebounds and is in the No. 8 spot on the list and has played in 71 games, which is tied for 27^th.

Sage will be in action on January 10 travelling to Hartwick College for a 7:30 p.m. Empire 8 contest.