ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University women's lacrosse team recognized their graduating class as part of Senior Day in their 22-5 loss to Utica University on Saturday from Yunevich Stadium.
 
The Saxons (2-9, 0-4 Empire 8) faced 39 shots on goal, while forcing the Pioneers (8-2, 3-1 Empire 8) to 10 turnovers.
 
Prior to the game, Alfred University took a moment to celebrate the collegiate careers of Krystina Gauer (Springwater, NY/Homeschool), Karson Richenberg (Byron, NY/Byron-Bergen), and Hannah Ulmen (Kendall, NY/Kendall).

"All three of our seniors have made an impact on the program in different ways," Head Coach Johanna McCormick said. "Krystina joined us in her sophomore year. She immediately started learning the game. She would practice on weekends and joined a summer league. She is a young player, but the team saw leadership qualities in her. She is the voice of reason on the team and that is why she was named as a two-time captain. Karson was one of our first graduate students and brought a lot of energy and tenacity to the team. She plays with her whole heart and leaves nothing behind on the field. Hannah joined us in the middle of last season. She wanted to know everything about the sport. She practiced a lot outside of the season. She returned in the fall with solid stick skills and has contributed to our attack and defense. All three seniors have left a mark on our eam and will be greatly missed."
 
The Saxons were led by Amelia Booth (Staatsburg, NY/FDR), who finished with a team-high four goals across seven shots. With 58 points this season, Booth has moved into ninth place for the single-season points record in program history. Hailey Stroh (Houghton, NY/Homeschool) scored once for AU. Alyssa Piechota (Webster, NY/Webster Thomas) recorded 17 saves in goal.
 
Utica got off to an early lead in the first quarter, compiling four consecutive goals before Stroh scored for Alfred University. The Pioneers scored three more times to carry a 7-1 lead entering the second quarter. An additional goal for Utica in the opening minute of the second quarter was quickly answered by Booth's first goal of the game. The Pioneers scored three additional goals before Booth scored once again for AU. Utica continued to apply pressure offensively, scoring four unanswered goals, as Alfred trailed 15-3 at the break.
 
The Pioneers scored five goals in the third quarter, as the Saxons were behind 20-3 going into the final quarter. Booth opened scoring for Alfred University with her third goal of the game. Booth scored once more in the final minutes of regulation, but two goals from Utica in the fourth quarter was enough to seal the game.

"We are a young squad and we are continuing to grow," McCormick said. "We are working on being better with the ball and fighting for the 50/50 opportunities. If you have control of the ball, you have control of the game."
 
Alfred University will next travel to face Medaille College on Tuesday with the game scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM.