The season-opening, school-record winning streak for the Clarkson University Women’s Lacrosse team came to an end on Saturday afternoon as 18th-ranked Rensselaer handed the Golden Knights their first loss of the season, 16-5, in Liberty League action at Hantz Turf Field.

Clarkson’s leading scorer, senior Alyssa Cristaldi (North Syracuse, NY) tallied two goals and one assist for the Knights, who go to 6-1 overall and to 1-1 in the Liberty League. Clarkson plays at North Country rival St. Lawrence on Tuesday.

RPI dominated from the start jumping out to a 10-0 lead late in the first half. Shannon Maguire scored four of her game-high five goals in the opening 30 minutes. Erin Riley tallied twice in the half for the Engineers.

The Knights got on the scoreboard just before intermission with a free position goal by Cristaldi with four seconds remaining.

Seniors Katie VanDeValk (Baldwinsville, NY) and Kerrie Cline (Tuxedo, NY), and freshman Christine Wright (Watertown, NY) also scored a goal apiece for the Green and Gold.

RPI held a slim 25-23 advantage in shots and controlled groundballs 12-8.

Junior Kara DiNatale (Auburn, NH) made five saves for the Knights. DiNatale, VanDeValk and Cline each picked up two ground balls for the Knights.

Allie Arnal backstopped a stingy defensive effort by the visitors with eight saves as RPI improved its record to 6-1 overall and 2-0 in the Liberty league.