Elmira, NY - Eight free throws in the final minute of play changed a close game into a double-digit victory for Elmira College as the Soaring Eagles used a 10-1 run in the final 1:06 to defeat the Clarkson University Women's Basketball team 74-57 in non-league action Saturday afternoon.
The Golden Knights fell to 3-7 overall and will begin conference play next weekend when they host Vassar College and Rensselaer. Elmira earned its first win of the season, moving to 1-10.
Clarkson found itself trailing by double digits early as none of the team's shots would fall in the opening minutes. Behind 16-2 less than six minutes into the contest, the Knights rallied back to within three points after a 3-pointer by Sierra Noles (Averill Park, NY) at 4:22, and to within a single point after a lay up from Carey Turner (Clifton Park, NY) at 3:23. A 7-0 run by Elmira over the course of the next two minutes put the Soaring Eagles up by eight points, 34-26, at halftime.
Coming close to completing the comeback, only to fall back, became a theme in the second half for the Knights. Down by double figures again early in the second period, a lay up by Courtney Green (Rochester, NY) with just under 12 minutes to play put Clarkson back within three points. However, Elmira responded with a 9-0 run over the next three minutes to reclaim its double-digit advantage. Three minutes later, the Knights again were back within striking distance thanks to some free throws from Michelle Reddinger (Baldwinsville, NY), but Elmira held off the Knights' charge.
Down by eight points after another Green lay up with 1:09 to go, Elmira took advantage of its free throw chances to push the lead to 17 points by the end of the contest, finishing off the Knights with a 10-1 run in the final minute.
Turner led Clarkson with 16 points to go along with eight rebounds, while Reddinger produced a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards. Green added nine points and Lauren Pluchino (Liverpool, NY) tossed in eight points. Four players finished in double figures for the Soaring Eagles, led by Erin Rupell's 20 points.
