ONEONTA, NY – A quick start for Hartwick College was too much to overcome for the Alfred University women's basketball team, as they suffered a 77-49 loss on Friday evening from the Lambros Arena.

The Saxons (11-11, 6-7 Empire 8) relied on 25 bench points in their efforts against the Hawks (15-6, 10-3 Empire 8).

The Saxons were led by Leah Harkenrider (Hornell, NY/Hornell), who totaled a team-high 11 points while shooting three-of-five from three-point range. Allison O'Toole (Simi Valley, CA/Simi Valley) finished with nine points and three boards. Karly Welty (Portville, NY/Portville Central) ended with eight points.

"Hartwick handed it to us right from the jump," Head Coach Mike Moskowtiz said. "We were really sluggish coming out and they just were moving at a speed and with physicality and dominated us in the first half. Coming out of halftime, I thought we did a much better job competing physically, but the slow start is definitely something that can't happen again tomorrow as we prepare to play a good Sage team."

Each team traded shots early on, as the Saxons took a brief one-point lead thanks to a layup from O'Toole at the 6:29 mark of the first quarter. A 5-0 run from the Hawks was ended by a jump shot from Anne Spila (Mechanicsburg, PA/Trinity). Hartwick ended the first quarter on an 11-0 run to carry a 22-8 lead over Alfred entering the second quarter. A three-point shot from Welty opened scoring for the Saxons in the second quarter. The Hawks offense continued to apply pressure offensively, putting together a 12-2 run before entering halftime with a 41-17 lead.

A three-point shot from Harkenrider sparked a 6-0 run for the Saxons in the third quarter, but they still trailed 63-32 entering the fourth quarter. The Saxons offense found rhythm in the early stages of the final quarter, as another three-point shot from Harkenrider was followed by a successful free throw from Rebecca Jewett (Nyack, NY/Nyack). A 7-2 run by the Hawks across the final minute distanced the deficit for the Saxons and ultimately sealed the game.

"We're excited to get the opportunity to play again tomorrow and I trust we'll come out ready to go," Moskowitz said.

Alfred University will next face Russell Sage College on Saturdaywith tip-off scheduled for 2:00 PM.