HOBOKEN, NJ – The Alfred University women's tennis team fell to #1 seeded Nazareth College, 5-0, in the Empire 8 Conference semifinals on Friday afternoon.
 
The Golden Flyers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead over the Saxons taking all three doubles matches. Seniors Tori Pellegrino (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) and Inda Gillett (South Kortright, NY/Delaware Academy Central) battled to the wire at #1 doubles, eventually falling 8-7 (7-5). The #2 and #3 doubles teams fell in order heading into singles play.
 
Nazareth took both the #2 and #3 singles matches, clinching the victory and earning a berth to the 2018 Empire 8 Conference finals match against Stevens tomorrow at 11 AM.
 
The Saxons wrapped up the fall 2018 season at 7-7 overall and 5-3 in Empire 8 play. It was the first time AU earned a berth to the Empire 8 Championships since 2014.
 
"Today has been the cherry on top of an incredible season as part of the tennis program here at Alfred University," first-year Head Coach Jordan Crouch said. "The result isn't what we wanted but we will build upon this season for the future. Thanks to the team for their hard work, especially our seniors. Their leadership and work habits have been priceless for this team."
 
The women's tennis team will be off until the spring when they take on Oswego State on April 22, 2019.