TROY, N.Y. – SUNY Oneonta sophomore Kelsey Cohen (Baldwin/Baldwin) posted three goals, but the women's lacrosse team was downed by Rensselaer 9-5 today in the season opener for both squads.  RPI senior captain Sophie Hager led a balanced attack with two goals.
 
A low scoring opening half saw RPI sophomore Erin Goodwin break the 0-0 deadlock at 14:38, with freshman Becca DeRosa picking up the assist.
 
Less than two minutes later, Hager doubled the Rensselaer lead, driving across the face of goal, before firing just under the crossbar.
 
Cohen cut the deficit in half (2-1) with just over five minutes remaining in the half, taking a feed from classmate Lauren Bascelli (Williston Park/Herricks) and beating RPI sophomore goaltender Aleena Milinski from close range.
 
The Engineers took a 3-1 lead into the break after senior Allie Claroni scored late in the half.
 
Sophomores Michelle Bolger and Maddy Aslansan then scored 20 seconds apart early in the second half to give the Engineers a 5-1 lead.
 
DeRosa picked up her second assist of the game, when she sent junior Morgan Doyle free for her first of the year at 5:19 of the second. Freshman Casey Clarke capped the 5-0 run with her first collegiate tally, giving RPI a 7-1 advantage.
 
Oneonta fought back with a 3-0 run of its own to draw within 7-4, midway through the half. Cohen scored her second of the game, before juniors Taylor Casey (Garden City South/Kellenberg Memorial) and Lindsey Rose (Camillus/West Genesee) found the score sheet for the first time in 2017.
 
Freshman Nicole Zimmer created some separation with 8:52 to play, tallying for the first time in her RPI career.
 
Cohen answered less than a minute later, but the Engineers were able to control the clock down the stretch, before Hager potted her second of the game with less than a minute to play.
 
RPI held a 19-12 edge in shots and a 26-13 advantage in ground balls. It was also 13 for 16 on the clear, while the Red Dragons were 8 for 14.
 
Oneonta will not be in action again until next Thursday in Orlando, Fla. when they take on Rhode Island College.

(portions of this recap supplied by RPI Sports Information)