ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University women's soccer team hosted The Sage Colleges on Saturday evening in Empire 8 play. The Gators defeated the Saxons (4-4-3, 0-2-1 Empire 80 by a score of 3-2.
The Gators were led by a standout performance from Natalie Ricci. Ricci got things going for Sage early in the match and ended with all three goals for the Gators.
Two early first half goals put AU in a hole from the start. The Saxons were able to buckle down the defense after the second goal of the opening half to hold it at a two goal deficit at halftime.
The Gators added an insurance goal, which wound up being of great importance, when Ricci secured her hat trick at the 49:32 mark.
The Saxons began to put things together after that when an
Emily Wright (Dallas, TX / Plano West) placed a perfect corner kick in front of the net for
Olivia Cronmiller (Livonia, NY/ Livonia) to finish with a header to make it a 3-1 game.
The Gators had an opportunity to extend their lead on a penalty kick but a tremendous save by
Hannah Fuller (Binghamton, NY / Chenango Forks) kept Alfred within striking distance.
It looked as if the Saxons were down and out in the later minutes of the match when
Amanda Guariglia (Valley Stream, NY / Valley Stream South) wove through the Gator defense for a goal in the 83
rd minute.
That was all the Saxons would get though as Sage walked away with its second Empire 8 victory of the season.
AU will look to get back into the win column next Wednesday as they travel to Keuka College for a matchup with the Wolves at 7PM.
