ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University women's basketball team opened Empire 8 conference competition with a 57-50 loss to Elmira College on Saturday from the Terry S. Galanis Family Arena.
 
The Saxons (3-3, 0-1 Empire 8) outscored the Soaring Eagles (5-2, 1-0 Empire 8) in each of the final two quarters as part of their efforts.
 
Leah Harkenrider (Hornell, NY/Hornell) led Alfred University with a team-high 18 points to go with four rebounds and four steals. Grace Rittenhouse (Dansville, NY/Dansville) recorded 12 points and six boards. Natalee Collins (Waterville, NY/Waterville) added 10 points and six boards.
 
"We came out and played poorly to start the game," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. "We had minimal urgency and attention to detail in the first half and that's just not who we are. We were down 17 in the second quarter and so, while we were competing much better in the second half, we just couldn't get over the hump and win the game. We will be back at it on Monday, looking to not only bet better, but more importantly more consistent, than we have been."
 
The Saxons faced an early scoring drought to open the game, but a pair of free throws from Collins were followed by a layup from Harkenrider before AU entered the second quarter with an 11-4 deficit. Rittenhouse was the first to score for the Saxons to begin the second quarter. Alfred University relied on late free throws before going into halftime behind 27-15.
 
The Saxons put together an 8-0 run to cut their deficit to five points with four minutes remaining in the third quarter. Each team traded late shots, but the Saxons still trailed 39-29 with one quarter remaining. Three of the first four shots for AU to begin the fourth quarter came from three-point territory. The Saxons once again cut their deficit to five points late in the game but were unable to complete the comeback before the final horn.
 
Alfred University will next travel to face Fredonia on Tuesday at 6:30 PM.