UTICA, NY - The Alfred University women's soccer team clinched a berth in the Empire 8 Championship Tournament following a 5-1 win against SUNY Poly on Wednesday night. 

The playoff berth for the Saxons marks the fifth consecutive season in which the team has qualified for the postseason. 

"It was nice to get the win tonight and clinch a playoff spot," Head Coach Craig Yanni said. "The team knew what was at stake tonight and came out and got the job done. We are excited to turn our focus to the playoffs."

Alyssa Smith (Pearl River, NY/Pearl River) led Alfred University with a team-high eight shots, three of which were on goal. Lina Young (North Collins, NY/North Collins) finished the game with three shots on goal across five shots. Megan Rinker (Le Roy, NY/Le Roy) scored once off the bench for AU. 

An early corner kick opportunity from Sidney Khuns (Spencerport, NY/Spencerport) in the second minute of action for the Saxons resulted in an own goal, which gave Alfred University the initial lead. Khuns remained dominant from the corner for AU, as a pass to Smith extended the lead in the 17th minute. The Wildcats drew a penalty kick which found the back of the net, cutting their deficit. Later in the half, an intercepted pass by Julia Flaitz (Arkport, NY/Arkport Central) found its way to Rinker for the third goal of the evening, as the Saxons took a 3-1 lead into halftime. 

The second half held a similar tune for Alfred University, as a great pass from Nyah Solly (Colden, NY/Springville-Griffith Institute) to Abby Scanlan (Albion, NY/Charles D'Amico) resulted in an additional goal for the Saxons. Lina Young (North Collins, NY/North Collins) did a great job showcasing her speed, sending a deep shot just above the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. The defense limited the Wildcats to just three shots on goal across the entire second half before coming away with the win. 

Alfred University will next compete in the Empire 8 Championship Quarterfinals on Saturday.