First-year Katie Frederick posted her fifth double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Katie Gallagher also netted 13 points as the St. Lawrence University women's basketball team defeated Vassar 58-52 during Liberty League play Friday evening in Burkman Gymnasium.

Frederick shot 6-for-11 from the field, while Gallagher shot 5-for-8 from the floor and went 3-for-5 from the free-throw line. Ranking third for the Saints, Cara Waterson added nine points and grabbed seven rebounds, Jenny Scudder added seven points.

After a slow start, Brewer's jumped out to an early 11-4 over the Saints with 2:37 to play in the first frame. Annabella Pugliese netted her only 3-pointer of the game, and Frederick added a late bucket to cut Vassar's lead to four after the first frame.

Frederick netted a quick layup to tie the game at 13 with just under eight minutes to play in the second half. Scudder gave the Saints a five-point advantage on a 3-pointer with 5:50 remaining until halftime.

After the break, the Brewers rallied, minimizing the Saints' lead and tying the game 29-29 at the 4:54 mark. The Scarlet and Brown made quick work to regain control and held a 42-37 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Vassar's Sophie Nick successfully completed the three-point play with 3:55 to play in the final frame to bring the game within one, but the Brewers rally fell short as the Saints sealed the win off a jumper from Pugliese and a series of free throws down the stretch.

"We knew this would be a battle," said head coach Dan Roiger. "Vassar is a very good team, always well prepared and has good, veteran players.  We knew we they did not play well in our win against them on the road, and we would have to play much better today. Overall, it was a great game, back and forth and close the whole game, typical of the second half of the season where every basket is tough to get."

"Everyone contributed today, every player did something important that helped us be successful," Roiger continued. "Our posts played great offensively, and made some key baskets down the stretch at critical moments. Despite their youth, they show great composure. We made big plays when we needed to, and it was nice to see our seniors make many of them. They exhibited some solid leadership today, I'm so happy for them!"



Vassar was led by Nick with 17 points and eight rebounds, Ariella Rosenthal added 15 points, seven rebounds and a team-high three assists and three steals. Nicole Teta added eight points and Samarah Cook netted seven, while the two combined for four rebounds.  

With the win, the Saints improved to 12-5 overall and 7-3 in conference play, while the Brewers fell to 11-6 and 6-4.

The Saints will face Bard in Burkman Gymnasium tomorrow afternoon. Tip off against the Raptors is set for 2 p.m.