ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University women's basketball team concluded their regular season with a 74-63 win over Elmira College as part of their Senior Day on Saturday afternoon from the Terry S. Galanis Family Arena.
 
Prior to the game, the women's basketball program took a few moments to recognize the collegiate careers of Rebecca Jewett (Nyack, NY/Nyack), Gillian Flint (Caledonia, NY/Caledonia-Mumford), Allison O'Toole (Simi Valley, CA/Simi Valley) and Amber O'Toole (Simi Valley, CA/Simi Valley).
 
The win for the Saxons (15-9, 10-8 Empire 8) marks the first time in which the team has achieved ten or more Empire 8 conference regular season victories.
 
"Five years ago, we started on an adventure together to bring this program to success," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. "We wanted to be proud of our habits, represent this program and institution in a great light and get better every day. Our senior class stuck with us through the ups and downs and ultimately have put this program in a great position to be successful for years to come. I am forever indebted for their time and effort throughout this journey."
 
The Soaring Eagles came out strong in the first quarter, opening with a 15-2 run to put the Saxons behind early. Flint and Karly Welty (Portville, NY/Portville Central) combined for 10 points in the quarter, but AU still trailed 19-15 going into the second quarter. A 3-point shot from Leah Harkenrider (Hornell, NY/Hornell) was followed by a layup from O'Toole to give Alfred University their first lead of the afternoon. The Saxons put together a 15-0 run to lead by as many as 11 points with under six minutes remaining in the half. Four different players scored as part of a 10-0 for AU to close out the first half to lead 40-24 entering the break.
 
Elmira cut their deficit down to five points in the third quarter, but Alfred University still led 51-45 with one quarter remaining. O'Toole sparked AU's offense in the early stages of the fourth quarter, scoring the team's first five points. A 3-point play from Welty extended AU's lead back to double-digit figures. Each team found open shots throughout the fourth quarter, but the Saxons relied on their successful shooting to close out the game and pick up the win.
 
"We're excited to prepare for Sage in the coming and can't wait to go out and compete like we know how on Tuesday," Moskowitz said.
 
Alfred University will compete in their first Empire 8 Tournament game dating back to the 2020-21 season when they travel to face Russell Sage College on Tuesday with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 PM.