Albany, NY — Russell Sage College women's basketball team opened the 2020-2021 season on Sunday afternoon hosting the Saxons of Alfred University in an Empire 8 contest. The Gators held a 29-26 halftime lead and despite a late-game push by Alfred held on for the 70-60 win. Sage stands at 1-0 overall and 1-0 in the Empire 8, while Alfred drops to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in the league.

Sage got three double-doubles in the contest including the same three Gators all pulling down career high numbers in rebounding. For the game, Sage held a commanding lead on the boards as they out-rebounded Alfred, 63-31.

Senior forward Madasyn Bush (Pottersville, NY/North Warren Central) had 14 points with 13 rebounds, while junior forward Emily Pike (Holmes, NY/Ticonderoga) added 11 points with 14 rebounds off the bench. Junior Kyra Oeffler (Green Island, NY/Heatly) had 11 rebounds with 10 points for RSC. Junior guard Sammy Pasinella (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) chipped in with 16 points with three assists.

Sophomore guard Emily Erickson (Melrose, NY/Tamarac) added six points with three rebounds, two assists and a steal in her Gator debut. Rookie forward Savannah Sommer (Mohawk, NY/Central Valley Academy) had five points with three rebounds and a steal in her collegiate debut.

Alfred's senior guard Gillian Flint (Caledonia, NY/Calendonia-Mumford) led all players with her 19 points and hit 5-of-7 from three-point range. She added seven defensive rebounds and shot 50% from the floor (6-12) with three assists, a block and a steal for the Saxons. Senior guard Lyndsey McCoy (Middleburgh, NY/Middleburgh Central) had 13 points for the Saxons, while rookie guard Leah Harkenrider (Hornell, NY/Hornell) had 12 points. Rookie Karly Welty (Portville, NY/Portville Central) added 10 points with six rebounds and five assists and three steals as well for the Saxons.

Sage returns to action on March 12 travelling to St. John Fisher College for a 7 p.m. road Empire 8 contest.