ALFRED, NY - The Alfred University women's basketball team claimed the title of the Alfred Tournament following a 68-54 win over Alfred State College on Sunday night. 

Grace Rittenhouse (Dansville, NY/Dansville) finished the game with 23 points and six rebounds. Jayda L. Felker (Corning, NY/Corning-Painted Post) totaled 15 points, five rebounds and a pair of steals. Jaidyn Chest (Mayfield, NY/Mayfield) added 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals for AU. 

"This was a nice road win against a team that matched our toughness throughout," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. "Our defensive execution still needs to improve, as well as our communication as we move forward. We let #11 get to her spots too easily in the first half, but did a much better job in the second half. We did a nice job limiting their starting guards and holding them to 5-of-22 combined from the floor. What more can you ask of Grace right now? She is playing with supreme confidence and great feel for the game. We are really happy for her with how she is starting the season. We had solid contributions from everyone who played today, which also was nice to see. We know we need to improve on both ends to beat a good Fredonia team on Wednesday. 

An early three-point shot by Felker was followed by a shot from Chest to give Alfred University the initial lead in the first quarter. The defense limited the Pioneers to just one point in the final three minutes of the first quarter, while Rittenhouse added five points across the final two minutes, as AU went into the second quarter with a 23-14 lead. A pair of free throws by Felicia Stewart (Ann Arbor, MI/Pioneer) early in the second quarter had the Saxons leading by double-digit figures. Felker added five points in the quarter, as Alfred University was ahead 39-29 going into halftime. 

Rittenhouse continued to play well to begin the second half, scoring the team's first five points. The defense once again stepped up in the third quarter, holding Alfred State to just two points across the final six minutes, as Alfred University led 52-39 with one quarter remaining. Rittenhouse opened scoring for AU in the fourth quarter with a shot from beyond the arc. The Pioneers cut their deficit down to 10 points with under six minutes to play, but points from four different Saxons was enough to close out the weekend with a win. 

Alfred University will next host Fredonia on Wednesday at 5:30 PM.