HOBOKEN, NJ—The Alfred University women's basketball team fell to the Stevens Ducks in the Empire 8 opener, 80-67, Friday evening. 
 
The AU Saxons returned to the court following nearly a month break (last playing on December 6^th where they topped Mount St. Mary) and fell to the Ducks in the Empire 8 opener in 2015.  Stevens was able to dominate in the paint, outscoring the Saxons 40-14 from close range.  Additionally, the depth of the Ducks gave them an advantage with 34 points coming from the bench compared to the Saxons' 13 points. 
 
The Saxons were the first to strike in the game when Emilea Harrison (Conesus, NY/Dansville) hit a jumper after chasing down her own rebound.  The Ducks would tie it up only to have Harley Cleary (Rochester, NY/Our Lady of Mercy) drop a three-pointer seconds later.  However, Stevens answered again with a long-range shot to tie the game and soon took the lead on a Hannah Brophy (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) layup.
 
Throughout the rest of the first half the Ducks would stay just out of reach of the Saxons who shot 4-of-6 (66.7%) from 3PT range.  The Ducks, on the other hand, capitalized on their free throw shots making 10-of-11 (90.9%) and shooting 36.8% from the field.  As the first half came to a close, Stevens had a small seven-point lead on the Saxons, 39-32.
 
The second half reflected the first, with both teams playing tight, going blow-for-blow on the court.  The Saxons shot a very solid 11-of-23 (51.5%) from the field while staying hot from behind the arc at 6-of-10 (60%).  However, the Ducks were even hotter, shooting an astounding 17-of-33 (51.5%) and 4-of-5 (80%) from 3PT range.  Despite shooting very well, the Saxons were unable to overcome the deficit and were overcome, 80-67.
 
Sophomore post player Amanda Off (New Berlin, NY/Unadilla Valley) led the Saxons on the night with 24 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks.  Cleary ended the evening with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists while Harrison added 10 points, six rebounds, and three steals.
 
The Saxons (3-6, Empire 8 0-1) have a quick turnaround taking on the Hartwick Hawks Sat.,January 3^rd, in Oneonta, NY for their back-to-back Empire 8 match up.