KEUKA PARK, NY – Late scoring from the Alfred University women's lacrosse team resulted in a 16-15 victory over Keuka College on Saturday afternoon from the Jephson Complex Game Field.
 
The Saxons (3-11, 1-5 Empire 8) secured their first Empire 8 victory since the 2010 season. The 123 goals scored by Alfred University marks the highest total since the 2013 campaign.
 
Amelia Booth (Staatsburg, NY/FDR) led the Saxons with a team-high eight goals to go with one assist. Brenna Turner (Bentonville, AR/Bentonville) totaled six points from three goals and three assists. Abigail Call (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) and Hailey Stroh (Houghton, NY/Homeschool) each scored twice for AU. Alyssa Piechota (Webster, NY/Webster Thomas) recorded 13 saves to become the only goalie in program history to finish with 200 or more saves in a single season.

"We played today like we have all year: With grit, determination, and heart," Head Coach Johanna McCormick said. "We relied on each other and never stopped trying, no matter what."
 
The Saxons relied on an assist from Turner to Booth to open scoring within the first minute of the game. The Wolves responded with three goals of their own, as AU trailed 3-1 entering the second quarter. Keuka scored once more in the early stages of the second quarter before Alfred University responded with goals from Booth, Stroh, Turner, and Madeline Shaw (Williamsville, NY/Sacred Heart Academy) to take a 5-4 lead. Six additional goals from the Wolves had the Saxons trailing 10-5 at the break.
 
Booth found the back of the net to begin scoring for AU in the early moments of the third quarter. Keuka scored twice more before two goals from Booth and Call minimized the deficit. Turner scored once more for Alfred University in the third quarter, but the Wolves scored two goals of their own, as the Saxons were behind 14-11 entering the fourth quarter.
 
Goals from Booth and Stroh to open the fourth quarter had Alfred University trailing by one goal. A goal from Keuka was quickly answered by a goal from Booth. Turner found the back of the net to tie the game with 3:07 remaining. During a man-up situation, Booth recorded her eighth goal of the afternoon to take the lead and ultimately secure the win.

"We have had personnel changes throughout the season," McCormick said. "We won three games with three different teams. Everyone has such a drive to do better not only for themselves, but for the team. Amelia was a new addition to the team and brought us to a higher level of play. She dominated the draw controls and shots per game throughout the season. She also helped her teammates improve over the season. Brenna has consistently worked hard to push herself and the team every game. She has been a role model on and off the field. Krystina has improved her lacrosse IQ from playing with different players over the last year. She has consistently shown up on and off the field, regardless of the circumstance. She will be missed and we wish her the best in her future endeavors. Alyssa has continued to improve this year. She has broken several school records and sits among the elite in the NCAA for most saves. Ceci has stepped up and been a true leader on the field. Abby is also a new addition to the team this year and has been able to adapt to any situation in front of her. Madi found her stride this year and has been more active on both sides of the field. Hailey is another new addition to the team and has been a constant force on the field. She is always willing to take on new responsibilities and positions for the team. Hannah has become a key player in the transition and will be a missed member of our team. Karson has constantly brought speed and grit to the team and will be missed. Amanda, Kristin, Natalie, and Savannah have worked hard this year to improve their lacrosse IQ and stick skills. They worked countless hours outside of practice."

"I couldn't be prouder of the entire team and impressed with the improvements over the season," McCormick said. "This was an excellent way to send out our seniors and what a great building block for our team."