TROY, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher University women's basketball team were on the road on Friday for a regular season matchup against Russell Sage College. The team used a strong first quarter to set the tone for their 78-58 victory. The result pushes the team to a 22-2 regular season record and conference mark of 17-0.
 
The match started slowly with neither team scoring until the 6:28 mark when Claire Kruszka knocked down a free throw. The team began to make a run towards the end of the first quarter when Presleigh Brunner made a jumper and layup to bring the Cardinals in front 9-5. As the frame, ended Fisher led 15-7.  Kaitlyn Walker used a layup to push the unit in front 17-9 as the second quarter started, but the Gators did not let the game go. They cut their deficit to within four points at the 8:21 mark. It was not until the end of the first half that the Cardinals reached a double-digit lead. A three pointer by Kruszka and free throw by Kelly Moravec helped put the team ahead 31-21 at the break.
 
As the second half progressed, Sage continued to battle, getting to within five points multiple times. Walker ignited the team's offense, making a layup to stop the Gators run and later converting another shot to push the lead to double digits. Sidney Tomasso finished the third frame with a layup and the Cardinals were in front 55-42. Fisher continued their run to start the final quarter, with makes from Brunner, Kruszka and Emilia Johnson bring the lead to 25 with 5:39 to play. Fisher cruised to the win the rest of the way.
 
Tomasso led the way with 19 points, while adding three assists and three rebounds. Walker recorded a double-double with 18 points and ten rebounds, to go along with four steals and two blocks. Brunner added 13 points, nine rebounds; Kruszka and Johnson each finished with 11 points and a combined 13 rebounds.
 
The Cardinals wrap up their regular season schedule on Saturday, Feb. 18 as they head to Hartwick College for a 2 p.m. contest against the Hawks.
 
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