ALFRED, NY – Junior guard Ana Ion (Bucharest, Romania) of the Alfred University women's basketball team earned All-Empire 8 Third Team honors, as the conference announced its 2021-22 Empire 8 Women's Basketball awards on Wednesday, February 23.
 
"This is a great accomplishment and we're happy for and proud of Ana and the work she's put in," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. "I think what's most impressive about her is her versatility. She obviously has a bunch of offensive potential, but I think her ability to guard anyone in the league, big or small, is remarkable. People just don't score at a high rate against her. We are also pleased with her practically doubling her rebounding numbers from two years ago to be fifth in the league this year."
 
This past season, Ion led the Saxons in points (10.2) and rebounds (8.2) per game, as well as blocked shots (16). Her 205 total rebounds ranked fifth in the Empire 8 conference. Ion finished with a double-double on five occasions for AU during the 2021-22 campaign, including a career-high 19-rebound performance against Hiram on November 20.  
 
Sophomore guard Karly Welty (Portville, NY/Portville Central) was honored as Alfred's selection for the Women's Basketball Sportswoman of the Year. The Empire 8 emphasizes that "Competing with Honor and Integrity" is an essential component of a student-athlete's experience in conjunction with an institution's educational mission. Welty has distinguished herself, consistently exhibiting the critical traits as an outstanding sportswoman.
 
"Karly is probably one of the most kind-hearted people I've ever met," Moskowitz said. "She played the game the right way, is a great student of the game and respects everyone around her. I think Karly is the true definition of a "great teammate". She not only unquestionably makes everyone around her better, but everyone truly enjoys her company and playing alongside her. We're so proud f her for her growth these two years, and we're thankful she represents not only our program, but Alfred University as a whole!"
 
The Saxons (13-12, 8-8 Empire 8) totaled a program-high eight conference victories this past season, winning each of their last two games against Nazareth College and Utica University before the conclusion of the regular season.