POTSDAM, N.Y.- The SUNY Potsdam women's basketball team (1-2) fell to Clarkson University (4-1) 48-69 Tuesday night at the Alumni Gymnasium. Sophomore guard Abbey Smith (Bainbridge, N.Y./Bainbridge-Guilford) had a career-high and game-high 17 points and Golden Knight guard Devin Sorell also scored 17.
 
The team exchanged baskets throughout most of the first quarter before Kathleen Coloney hit four straight free throws and Sorell tacked on two 3-pointers and a layup to give Clarkson the 10-point lead. Molly Stewart opened the scoring for the Golden Knights with a basket behind the arch and layup a minute later to add to their lead to start the second quarter, while freshman guard Drew Dufrane (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) answered with her own three. Senior guard Abbey LaPage (North Bangor, N.Y./Franklin Academy) also hit from behind the arch, but Clarkson answered and closed out the quarter with the 35-20 advantage.
 
The third quarter started with buckets from both sides before Smith ignited with 14 of her 17 points. Senior captain Meghan Driscoll (Troy, N.Y./Troy) added four more points during the quarter, but again the Golden Knights kept right with the Bears to keep their 14-point lead.
 
The final quarter was full of free throws from both teams with Clarkson going 8-9 and the Bears going 6-11 from the line. The Golden Knights lead the quarter 17-10 to close out the 48-69 victory.
 
Senior captain Patti Dorgler (Floral Park, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) finished with seven points and five boards and Driscoll added six points and five steals. Junior forward Emily Drake (Athens, N.Y./Coxsackie-Athens) grabbed six rebounds to lead the team.
 
Stephanie Grobe scored 14 points and got five rebounds, while Stewart tallied 10 points. Alyssia Marsal had a game-high 14 rebounds and seven assists.
 
Potsdam will be back on the hardwood this weekend to open SUNYAC play against SUNY Fredonia on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Buffalo State on Saturday at 4 p.m.