Box Score ALFRED, NY - The Alfred University women's basketball team dropped a 70-55 decision to visiting Nazareth College Tuesday evening in the Saxons' Empire 8 Conference opener.

AU (5-4, 0-1 Empire 8) led 10-4 early in the opening frame before Nazareth climbed into the lead, taking a 35-23 halftime advantage. Nazareth used five-of-10 shooting from three-point range and perfect four-of-four shooting from the foul line to lead at the break.

For the game, the visitors made eight three-pointer in 20 attempts (40 percent) and 16 of 20 foul shots (80 percent) to help offset 20 turnovers. Alfred shot well from the foul line (14 of 22) and made three shots from long range, but was outrebounded 40-33.

Freshman guard Kathryn Polletta (Ossining, NY/Ossining) led the Saxons with 11 points, sinking all three of her team's shots from three-point range. Senior guard Rachael Stedman (Hamburg, NY/Springville Griffith) had 10 points, four rebounds and three steals, and junior guard Emilea Harrison (Dansville, NY/Dansville) had eight points and four boards.

Lindsey Kelly had 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead Nazareth (5-6, 1-1 Empire 8), while Veronica Peck (five assists) scored 14 and Megan Morrison (three three-point shots) had 11.

Alfred plays next on Friday, Jan. 10, at 8 p.m. at Empire 8 foe Ithaca.