ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University women's soccer team was on the road at Houghton College on Saturday for its regular season finale against the Highlanders. The Saxons dropped a close one to the Highlanders by a score of 1-0.
 
The first half was eventful on both sides of the field as each squad had scoring opportunities but neither were able to break through.
 
An early shot by Natalie O'Brien (Syracuse, NY / East Syracuse-Minoa Central) looked to have a chance for AU but was smothered by the Houghton goal keeper.
 
Minutes later, the Saxons gifted Houghton with a penalty kick opportunity but the Highlanders sent that wide to keep it a scoreless game.
 
The remainder of the first half was highly defensive as both teams went into the break scoreless.
 
The Saxons put multiple shots on goal in the second half from Abigail Austin (Hornell, NY / Hornell), Emily Wright (Dallas, TX / Plano West) and Lexi Riffelbach (Clifton Park, NY / Central Catholic) but Rachael Fortney stood strong in goal for the Highlanders to keep Alfred off of the board.
 
It wasn't until the 80^th minute that Houghton's Mary Doell found the back of the net to put the Highlanders ahead 1-0 with less than 10 minutes to play in regulation.
 
The Saxons put a few late shots wide but the lone Highlander goal was enough to come away with the victory.
 
The Saxons end their regular season at 8-6-4 with an Empire 8 record of 2-3-2 and will await results from around the league that will decide their postseason fate.