Albany, N.Y. - The Skidmore College women's basketball team opened up its new campaign with a 62-53 win over Sage Colleges on Monday night in the Kahl Campus Center in the season opener for both teams. Junior guard Christina Gargiso (Staten Island, N.Y.) led the way for the Thoroughbreds with a game-high 18 points.

Skidmore improves to 1-0, while Sage drops to 0-1 on the young season.

Skidmore led 31-30 at the half and the two teams exchanged leads throughout most of the second half before Skidmore took a 41-40 lead at 9:40. Sage fought back and tied the action at 48-48 but Skidmore pulled away. Sage was within striking distance, down by just two points (55-53 at 3:32), but could not pull any closer in the final minutes of play.

Sage's rookie forward Chelsea Martin nearly had a double-double in her collegiate debut as she had 10 rebounds with nine points. Sophomore guard Carly Vallee connected for 15 points to lead Sage, while sophomore center Kara Hackett collected the double-double for the Gators with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Skidmore had four players finish in double-digits in the victory as junior guard Megan Gaugler (Amsterdam, N.Y.) had 12 points with nine boards. Freshman guard Jordyn Wartts (St. Louis, Mo.) tallied 11 points in her debut, while junior guard Jesse Kavana (Mahopac, N.Y.) finished with 10 points, six rebounds and three steals.

The Thoroughbreds will be hosting a tournament on November 19-20 and will open action on Friday facing Oneonta State at 6 p.m.