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ALBANY, N.Y.-The College of Saint Rose women's basketball team outscored visiting American International 18-9 in the final quarter to win 58-47 in Saturday afternoon Northeast-10 Conference action.
 
The Golden Knights (3-1/1-1 NE10) were led offensively by junior guards Ashley Vanderwall and Isa Vara de Rey in their home opener. Vanderwall topped all scorers with 21 points on 47.3 percent shooting, including a huge 3-pointer from the left wing late in the contest to give Saint Rose the lead for good. Vara de Rey added 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists, a block and two steals for the victors.
 
"My teammates did a good job of finding me in transition where I was able to get a three off to put us up," said Vanderwall.
 
Junior guard Alyssa Guyon totaled 13 points and 12 rebounds for American International (1-3/0-2 NE10). Sophomore guard Rashana Sides had a team-high 17 points for the Yellow Jackets, the preseason NE10 Southwest Division favorites.
 
The Golden Knights post quartet of juniors Karissa Birthwright and Zoe McDonald, sophomore Leah Dollard, and freshman Nina Fedullo combined to hold All-American junior forward Dana Watts to four points on 1-of-12 shooting. The Yellow Jackets' star entered the contest averaging 22.7 points and 11.7 rebounds.
 
"I was really pleased with our offensive execution and effort defensively," said Saint Rose head coach Karen Haag.
 
The Golden Knights limited American International to 2-of-21 shooting from the floor to open up an 18-4 lead after the opening quarter. Saint Rose knocked down half of its shots taken in the period, including a buzzer-beater from beyond the arc by Vanderwall.
 
The visitors turned the tables on Saint Rose in the second quarter, shooting 53.3 percent from the field to trail by a single point, 27-26, at the break. Saint Rose, outscored by a 22-9 margin in the period, only made one of its eight three pointers taken.
 
A tightly-contested second half featured six ties and four lead changes. With 38 seconds remaining, Vanderwall knocked down a trey with the shot clock expiring to give Saint Rose a 51-48 lead. The Golden Knights were able to force a pair of American International turnovers and sealed their first NE10 victory at the line.
 
"We kept our composure late," said Haag. "The defensive rebounds and made foul shots down the stretch were huge."
 
Looking ahead, both teams have NE10 home games on Tuesday, November 21 at 5:30 pm. Saint Rose hosts Pace, while American International entertains New Haven.
 
"We are excited about the win, but need to stay focused for our game Tuesday against Pace," said Vanderwall.  "We need to have a good practice on Monday and come ready to play." Sign up for our E-Newsletter for the latest news by clicking here, and for information on the Golden Knights Club, click here. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.