ALBANY, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a season-opening defensive struggle, the Colgate Raiders grinded out a 53-43 victory over the Siena Saints in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Tuesday night at the Times Union Center.

The contest was characterized by frigid shooting from both sides, but Colgate used a decisive third-quarter surge to pull away for the win before an announced crowd of 432.

Colgate’s offense was powered by Anne Bair, who delivered a game-high 22 points. Bair’s scoring, coupled with four assists, provided the necessary firepower on a night where points were at a premium. She was instrumental in the second half, helping the Raiders create separation.

The game was a tight, low-scoring affair through the first two quarters. Colgate held a narrow 12-11 lead after the first period, and the teams went into halftime with the Raiders clinging to a 23-22 advantage. The contest turned decisively in the third quarter, as Colgate outscored Siena 15-8. That stretch gave the Raiders a 38-30 lead heading into the final frame, a margin Siena could not overcome.

While Bair led the scoring, the Raiders’ win was anchored by a dominant performance on the glass and a stout defensive effort. Abbey Ferguson recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and added three blocks. Christina Midgette nearly matched her with nine rebounds, as Colgate controlled the interior.

Both teams struggled mightily from the field. Colgate shot 32.7 percent, making 18 of 55 attempts. Siena’s shooting was even more anemic, connecting on just 15 of 60 shots for a 25 percent clip. The Saints’ offense was particularly hampered from beyond the arc, making only 2 of 19 three-point attempts.

Siena was led by Jamariah Turner, who finished with 13 points. The Saints’ offense never found a consistent rhythm, hampered by the poor shooting and 14 turnovers. Caydence Hadley contributed six points and seven rebounds in the losing effort.

Colgate’s defense was disruptive throughout, tallying five steals and five blocks. Despite committing 19 turnovers of their own, the Raiders’ ability to limit Siena’s scoring opportunities proved to be the difference. The Saints managed an offensive rating of just 58.4 points per 100 possessions, a testament to Colgate’s defensive execution.

With the victory, Colgate begins its season 1-0. The Raiders are scheduled to host Ithaca on Friday. Siena starts 0-1 and will travel to face Massachusetts on Saturday. The result was a slight upset, as statistical models gave Siena a 55.2 percent probability to win entering the game.