HOUGHTON, N.Y. – The Alfred University women's tennis team fell to Houghton in the fall season finale, 7-2 at the Kerr-Pegula Courts Saturday afternoon.
Alfred finishes its season at 2-10 overall, and 2-3 in Empire 8 matches. Houghton earns an Empire 8 postseason berth, improving to 5-8 overall and 3-3 in conference matches.
It was a long day for the Saxons, as the match was originally set to be held at the William T. Brown Tennis Courts at 1 p.m. However, rainy weather forced a last-minute site change to Houghton.
The "road" team took advantage of playing in familiar surroundings, jumping out to a doubles sweep. In singles, Houghton clinched the match after wins at first and fifth singles. Amber Smith (Prattsburgh, N.Y./Prattsburgh Central), playing in her final Empire 8 match, picked up a victory at third singles, defeating Catie Moore by a 6-0, 6-3 score. The Saxons earned their final point at sixth singles, as Isabelle Benoit (Bow, N.H./Tilton School) defeated Maddison Soth in a three-set triumph, 6-1, 2-6, 6-3.
Before the match, head coach Jordan Crouch honored seniors Smith and Tori Pellegrino.
"I'm incredibly proud of the team today," said Crouch. "Extra proud of Amber and Tori for the amazing careers they have had and what excellent Saxons they have become!"
