Troy, NY - A dominating defensive effort by Rensselaer sent the Clarkson University Women's Basketball team to a 58-35 Liberty League loss on Friday evening.

The Golden Knights dropped to 3-21 overall and 1-12 in conference play, while Rensselaer improved its playoff chances by moving to 7-6 in the league and 12-11. Clarkson will close out its season tomorrow at Vassar.

Rensselaer came out with an impressive defensive showing in the opening half, jumping out to a 6-0 lead less than four minutes into the contest.  The Red Hawks continued the solid defense against the Knights, finding themselves up by ten (16-6) at 9:17 off a three-pointer by senior Missy Jackman.

Rensselaer, which held Clarkson to just 12.0% shooting from the field in the first, maintained a double-digit effort through the remainder of the half, taking a 17-point lead (25-8) into the intermission behind a 12-point, 7-rebound effort by Elizabeth Barker. 

In the second half, the Golden Knights finally put points on the board after a nearly three-minute scoring drought on a jumper by junior Rachel Whitermore (Holliston, MA) at 19:23.  Despite pulling to within 18 (34-16) at 14:32 on a shot by freshman Sierra Noles (Averill Park, NY), Clarkson was unable to close the gap.

Michelle Reddinger (Baldwinsville, NY) and Noles concluded the game with eight points for Clarkson. Barker finished with 19 points and 9 rebounds for RPI, while Missy Jackman added 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.