Three members of the St. Lawrence University women's basketball team scored in double digits, as the balanced scoring effort led the Saints to a big win over RIT, 55-52, in conference play on Friday night in Canton, N.Y.

The loss was just RIT's third conference loss of 2024-25, and bring St. Lawrence's record up to 7-6 in league play and 13-7 overall. 

"That was a good win for us, they are a good team and they smashed us on the boards," said Saints head coach Dan Roiger. "I thought we played exceptionally well defensively tonight and Nicole Jeffrey was a big part of that in the second half.  She forced tough shots and got three steals for us, one leading to a layup and in games you win by three points, those are huge plays.  Norah Niesz also defended extremely well against her player and we had just enough offensively to get it done.  An exciting win for us at home after being on the road three straight weekends, now we need to go play well tomorrow and try to get a weekend sweep, those have eluded us thus far this season."

The Saints came out strong in the first quarter going up 11-0. Junior Jackie Malley hit two threes during the Saints run. They maintained the lead for the rest of quarter, after a lay up from junior Mason Baker-Schlendering capped the quarter off with the Saints leading 17-6.

In the second quarter, RIT came firing back to make it a tight game, bringing the Saints lead down to one with four minutes left in the half. It was back and forth for the remainder of the half. Sophomore Elizabeth Flynn hit a layup to put the Saints up by two, and RIT answered back right before halftime to tie the game at 26 at the break.

To kick off the second half, the Saints came out strong and gained a seven-point lead. RIT however, would not go away as they climbed back to put the game within one. Once again, the quarter was back and forth, with junior Hannah Van Dyke got a steal and a lay up to put them up three with two minutes of play for the quarter. RIT took the lead with a pair of free throws right before the end of the quarter, the Saints were down one going into the fourth.

The fourth quarter was tight, but the Saints regained the lead and managed to hang on to it for the rest of the quarter. RIT got into foul trouble this quarter allowing for the Saints to knock down six free throws for the quarter. Junior Caelan McHarney put down a clutch free throw with 55 seconds to go in the game. RIT was unable to answer back, as the Saints would win this game 55-52.



Leading the way for the Saints was McHarney with 14 points, five assists, and three steals. Malley and Flynn also put up points in double digits in the conference play win.

The Tigers shot better from the field with 38 per cent compared to the Saints 31.3 per cent, however the Saints had 15 more fast break points more than RIT, as well as 12 fewer turnovers which helped them secure the win.

The Saints are back in action Saturday afternoon, when they take on William Smith in Burkman Gymnasium.