WASHINGTON, DC – Russell Sage College began their southern weekend trip with a matchup against the Bison of Gallaudet on Friday afternoon, falling 66-56.

It was a back and forth contest, as the Bison (2-3) won the first quarter 19-10, before the Gators battled back and won the second quarter 24-7. Gallaudet came out of the locker room with a 25-10 advantage in the third quarter, giving themselves a 51-44 lead over RSC that they would not look back from in the victory.

Senior guard Malena Gereau (Schroon Lake, NY/Schroon Lake Central) led the offensive attack for Russell Sage, scoring 12 points while adding five rebounds and three assists. Junior guard Layla Acosta (Haines City, FL/Haines City) was the only other RSC scorer in double-figures, registering ten points while adding five assists.

Sophomore forward Kallie Hopkins (Millsboro, DE/Poly Tech) was a force off the bench for Coach Branche's squad, grabbing a Gator-high eight rebounds, three of those coming on the offensive side of the floor. 

Cam Lexlow led all scorers and the offensive charge for Gallaudet in the victory, scoring 24 points on 62.5% shooting. 

RSC (1-2) continues their road trip tomorrow with a matchup with St. Mary's (MD). 

Gator Bites: The season marks the first with Michael Branche as the Head Coach of RSC Women's Basketball…He had been an assistant women's basketball coach since July 2020…12 players, making up just shy of 94 percent of the team scoring return for the Gators…The dozen combine with five newcomers on this year's squad…Junior guard Layla Acosta (Haines City, FL/Haines City), and junior forward Aniyah Kelley (New Castle, DE/William Penn), and senior guard Lauren Sanderson (Ravena, NY/Ravena-Coyemans-Selkirk) headline the returning Gators…Senior guard Olivia Huneau (Cohoes, NY/Cohoes), Sanderson, and senior guard Malena Gereau (Schroon Lake, NY/Schroon Lake Central) were voted captains of the team.