Potsdam, NY – A 22-point, 18-rebound effort from Jessica Laing and a strong performance from the perimeter led Cortland State to an 81-51 win over the Clarkson University Women’s Basketball team Wednesday afternoon at Alumni Gymnasium.

The Golden Knights fell to 3-6 on the season after their third-straight defeat, while Cortland improved to 6-3 overall. Clarkson looks to get back on the winning track this weekend when it visits Elmira College on Saturday.

Although Cortland held the lead throughout the first half, their lead was shaky at times as the Knights climbed back to within three points midway through the period, 19-16. Despite a rough showing from the field, Clarkson was able to stay in the game with Cortland thanks to a sound edge on the boards. However, once the Red Dragons began to consistently make their shots from the perimeter, including five 3-pointers in the final nine-plus minutes, giving Cortland a substantial lead at the break.  

Cortland’s Jessica Laing produced a double-double in the first half with 11 points and 11 rebounds, shooting a flawless 7-for-7 from the free throw line. The Red Dragons shot 12-for-13 overall from the free throw line, and made seven of their 11 3-point field goal attempts. Lauren Pluchino (Liverpool, NY) led the Knights with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists through the first 20 minutes.

The Red Dragons continued to make their outside shots at the start of the second half and extended their lead into the 30s. Laing finished with 22 points and 18 rebounds in 34 minutes while three others finished in double figures for Cortland. Allyson Biordi had 13 points, including a 4-for-4 performance from the 3-point arc, while Jennifer Patten and Micki Volpini each contributed 12 points.

Pluchino finished with 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists to lead Clarkson. Katie Goldberg (Stowe, VT) added eight points in 23 minutes.