ALFRED, NY - The Alfred University women's lacrosse team displayed bright spots, but came up short in their season opener to Elmira College by a 15-5 score on Saturday at Yunevich Stadium.
 
It was the first game of the spring season for Alfred (0-1) and Elmira (1-0). Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this was the first regular season contest for both sides in over a year. It was also the AU coaching debut for head coach Rebecca Streeten, who arrived to Alfred after spending a few years as the Elmira head coach.
 
The Saxons finished 11-of-23 in clear attempts and forced 14 Elmira turnovers. The Soaring Eagles picked up 22 ground balls, while Alfred ended with 17.  
 
Sophomore attack Brenna Turner (Bentonville, AR/Bentonville) finished with a career-high three goals along with one assist. Senior midfielder Krystina Gauer (Springwater, NY/Homeschool) and graduate midfielder Karson Richenberg (Byron, NY/Byron-Bergen) each tallied a goal. First-year goalie Alyssa Piechota (Webster, NY/Webster Thomas) recorded 16 saves and a team-high six ground balls in her debut with the Saxons.
 
Elmira was led by attack Emily Ferguson and Kendra Heath, who each finished with five goals apiece.

"I was very impressed with how hard the team worked tonight," Streeten said. "They kept up their intensity throughout the entire 60 minutes and continued to make improvements as the game went on. I'm very proud of their growth so far and looking forward to seeing what they can do throughout the rest of the season."
 
After Elmira took an opening 5-0 lead in the first half, Alfred relied on Turner for their first goal of the spring season. Turner scored again at the 4:57 mark in the first half, which came from an assist by graduate attack Bella Ehms (West Seneca, NY/West Seneca West). In the final minutes of the first half, a goal from Gauer resulted in the Saxons trailing 7-3 going into the break. The Soaring Eagles relied on four consecutive goals to open the second half to expand their lead and keep the Saxons out of reach.
  
The Saxons will remain at home this upcoming Thursday, hosting Wells College at 5 p.m. from Yunevich Stadium.