Hosting the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Engineers for its season-opener, Gordon College Women's Basketball earned a hard fought 73-68 victory over RPI to start the 2019-20 campaign at 1-0.

For the Engineers, Courtney Lewis (Jr.Port Jefferson, N.Y.) booked a team-high 17 points, Ceila Tomlinson (Sr./South Kingstown, R.I.) was two boards shy of a double-double with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Sam Krumbhaar (Sr./Glen Burnie, Md.) tossed in seven points, had five assists and grabbed four rebounds.

Senior Meghan Foley led the way with a game-high 23 points and six assists, freshman Olivia Gagnon chipped in 18 points and three steals, Sarah Gibbs registered a monstrous 20 rebounds as well as adding 12 points in the win.

How It Happened

• The Scots jumped out to an 8-1 lead after a Gagnon three midway through the first quarter. Gordon led by as many as nine before taking the 18-12 lead heading into the second frame.
• RPI got in rhythm in the second, scoring 10 straight points tying it up at 22-all with four minutes remaining until the half. The Engineers went on top by four but a Gibbs' free throw and another Gagnon three knotted it at 28-28 heading into halftime.
• Foley came out of the locker room with the hot hand in the third, scoring 14 of the Scots' 21 points including eight straight to pace the offense. 
• With just nine ticks left, Gibbs brought down a defensive rebound, immediately finding Foley, who in turn fed McDonnell for the easy bucket and 10-point lead.
• Gordon led by as many as 12 early in the fourth before RPI quickly cut that lead in half after a 6-0 run. RPI climbed within two but Serianna Anderson netted a timely shot to give Gordon the four-point cushion with just over two minutes remaining. Holding the seven-point lead with 31 seconds left, Gordon kept the Engineers at bay despite a pair of clutch baskets from three-point land to secure the 73-68 victory.

Beyond The Box Score

• Both teams combined for 53 points in the fourth quarter.
• The win today marks the first time the Scots have won a home-opener since the 2015-2016 season.
• Olivia Gagnon's 18 points is a most a freshman has scored in a season-opener since teammate Meghan Foley scored 23 in her debut.
• Said Head Coach Carter Shaw: "This was a really good first game for us. We were solid defensively and had contributions on the offensive end from a lot of players. We were poised when RPI made their runs and found ways to get stops and rebounds. Our effort and focus really stood out to me and I was pleased with our ability to make plays when they were needed."