ROCHESTER, NY- A strong defensive effort from the Alfred University women's soccer team resulted in a 1-0 victory over #3 St. John Fisher College in the Empire 8 Tournament Quarterfinals on Tuesday from Growney Stadium. The victory marked Alfred's first Empire 8 Tournament win in program history. 

The Saxons were tasked with defending six corner kicks and 20 shots from the Cardinals. Alfred placed four of their seven shots on goal. 

Alfred was led by sophomore midfielder Angelina Gonzalez (Marion, NY/Marion), who scored the match's lone goal in the first half of action. Junior midfielder Abigail Austin (Hornell, NY/Hornell) finished with two shots on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Fuller (Binghamton, NY/Chenango Forks) shined in the playoff matchup, recording six saves and the shutout.

"Our team battled for the entire 90 minutes and did a great job against two of the best offensive players in the conference," Head Coach Craig Yanni said. "We came into the game believing if we worked hard enough, we would have a good shot at getting the result we wanted."

The Saxons offense remained aggressive in the opening stages of the first half, placing each of their first two shots on goal. Gonzalez worked up the left side of the field and drew a penalty kick. She hit the upper-left corner of the back of the net to give Alfred the 1-0 lead.

St. John Fisher continued to test Alfred's defense, but their first four corner kick opportunities were rejected by the Saxons. The Cardinals totaled 10 shots in the first half but did not place a shot on goal through the final 19 minutes of the half, as Alfred went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

The Saxons defense stood tall in the second half, limiting St. John Fisher to only two corner kick opportunities. Fuller was responsible for two saves in the final half of action, including an important moment at the 87:31 mark.

"We're excited about the opportunity to play another game," Yanni said. "The biggest thing for us is getting everyone as healthy as they can be since we have a very quick turnaround."

Alfred will next travel to play Sage Colleges in the Empire 8 Tournament Semifinals on Thursday at 7pm from ACP Stadium.