ALFRED, NY - A strong defensive performance from the Alfred University women's soccer team resulted in a 1-0 win over SUNY Brockport during the season opener on Thursday afternoon from Yunevich Stadium. 

The Saxons (1-0) allowed only one shot on goal, while the Golden Eagles (0-1) were unable to cash in on their three corner kick attempts. 

Kayla Silverstein (North Chili, NY/Churchville-Chili) scored AU's lone goal across two shots. Abby Scanlan (Albion, NY/Charles D'Amico) recorded one shot on goal. Kiani Barnard-Pratt (Westford, MA/Westford Academy) picked up her first collegiate shutout, recording one save for the Saxons. 

"Our defense played well today," Head Coach Craig Yanni said. "It was the first time the four of them have been able to play together, so I think they really held their own despite not being too familiar with each other."

The Golden Eagles set the pace early on with a shot on goal in the 14th minute, with Barnard-Pratt reaching back to grab the save. In the 33rd minute, Silverstein scored for the Saxons to gain the early 1-0 advantage. SUNY Brockport put up one more shot before entering halftime with a 1-0 deficit to Alfred University. 

In the opening minutes of the second half, the Saxons successfully defended a corner kick attempt from the Golden Eagles. The defense for AU continued to give SUNY Brockport problems, as they rejected five shots from the Golden Eagles in the final half to hang on for the win. 

"Oneonta is going to be another tough test for us," Yanni said. "I hope we can continue to improve on the small things that we struggled with tonight. I would also like to see us produce a few more scoring opportunities."

Alfred University remains at home next when they host SUNY Oneonta on Saturday at 4PM.