Keuka Park, NY - The Alfred University women's basketball team held on to earn their first victory of the spring season in a 51-42 win over Keuka College on Wednesday night at the KC Gymnasium.
 
Alfred improved to 1-2, 1-1 E8 on the new season. Keuka (0-3, 0-3 E8) dropped their third consecutive conference game.

"We did a great job at sticking with our game plan," said Head Coach Mike Moskowitz. "Once we started hitting our shots in the second half, we were able to take advantage."

First-year guard Grace Rittenhouse (Dansville, NY/Dansville) led the way for the Saxons, as she finished with a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double performance. Senior guard Gillian Flint (Caledonia, NY/Caledonia-Mumford) ended with 12 points and seven boards. Senior guard Lyndsey McCoy (Middleburgh, NY/Middleburgh Central) added seven points as Alfred shot 26.8 percent (19-of-71) from the field.
 
Senior forward Sydney Bloom ended with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double effort for the Wolves. First-year guard Kara Reese added eight points as Keuka finished 32.6 percent (14-of-43) from the field.

"I was really proud of the way Grace played tonight," said Moskowitz. "She was physical and took some high percentage shots. We have a young roster, but that comes with an aggressive mindset." 
 
Five rebounds in the first quarter from first-year guard Karly Welty (Portville, NY/Portville Central) resulted in the Saxons opening with a 6-0 run. Welty finished the game with 10 boards to go with four points. 
 
Consecutive three-point shots from Flint and Rittenhouse in the second quarter helped maintain Alfred's lead. Entering halftime, the Saxons held a 22-19 advantage.
 
Alfred executed a similar strategy in the second half, as first-year guard Ivette Lewandowski (Springville, NY/Griffith Institute) scored six of the team's first 14 points in the third quarter from beyond the arc. The Saxons entered the final quarter with a 41-28 lead.
 
Alfred remained in control to finish out the game, limiting Keuka to only three points in the opening five minutes of the fourth quarter.

"We did well putting on pressure," Moskowitz said. "We had some communication breakdowns, but it's a pleasure to be coaching this team. We are only going to get better."

The Saxons return home to face Keuka College for their second meeting next Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7pm.