ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University women's soccer team shutout the #5 nationally-ranked Ducks of Stevens Institute of Technology in the first half of the Empire 8 matchup on Sunday afternoon at Yunevich Stadium but fell 1-0.
 
Junior Sammy Jo Shanahan (Valley Stream, NY/Valley Stream South) broke her career-high of 18 saves, which she set last year in two outings against SUNY Geneseo and Oswego State, with 20 saves on Sunday. Sophomore Ally Hendel (Attica, NY/Attica Central) and first year Keira Palumbo (Northport, NY/Northport) both had defensive saves on the day.
 
Shanahan and her defense faced 21 shots in the first half, making nine saves including both defensive saves. Stevens added another 26 shots in the second half with their one goal coming in the 59th minute of play from Julia Panko's 25-yard shot.
 
The Saxons (7-6, 1-3 Empire 8) only had two shots on the day with one on goal. Both occurred in the first half from first year Lexi Riffelbach (Clifton Park, NY/Catholic Central).
 
The Ducks led in corner kicks 10-1 and were charged with the only offsides of the game. Stevens totaled 47 shots with 23 on goal.

The Saxons are only the second team this season to hold Stevens to one goal. The Ducks took a 1-0 win over Hartwick College earlier this season. Alfred University is the fifth team to keep a Stevens win to a one-goal decision which included a Ducks' 2-1 win over then #3 nationally-ranked Messiah College. Messiah is now listed #14 in the national rankings.
 
The Saxons will next host the Cardinals of St. John Fisher College on Friday, October 14 at 7:00 pm in Yunevich Stadium.