ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University women's basketball team outscored Fredonia by double-digit figures in the second half to come away with a 62-58 win on Wednesday night from the Terry S. Galanis Family Arena.

Grace Rittenhouse (Dansville, NY/Dansville) scored a team-high 16 points to go with five rebounds and four steals. Jaidyn Chest (Mayfield, NY/Mayfield) finished the game with 10 points, six rebounds and a game-high seven assists. Libby Benner (Nunda, NY/Keshequa) added nine points for AU.

"This was just a really, really good win," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. "It was a great, competitive game on both ends against a very solid team that'll get us better for the season ahead. We made one adjustment at halftime in our zone offense and didn't have to use it because our team just went out and took over. Other than the stretch in the second quarter where they scored on eight straight trips, the defense was unbelievable against a high-scoring offense. Our bigs did a great job being disciplined and limiting their easy looks. Our communication by the guards was excellent. Shoutout to Sam Fischer for bringing such a calming presence and stability. We are very proud of her. We are excited to prepare tomorrow and Friday for a very good Oswego team on the road."

The Saxons relied on a deep shot from Benner to open scoring in the first quarter. Three consecutive free throws by Jessica Beehler (Dunkirk, NY/Dunkirk) had AU leading by as many as eight points. The Blue Devils responded with a pair of three-point shots of their own, but Alfred University still led 19-16 entering the second quarter. Four early points by Fredonia in the second quarter was answered by a three-point shot from Rittenhouse. The Blue Devils took their first lead of the evening with just over five minutes remaining in the half. A 12-0 run by Fredonia had the Saxons playing from behind. The Saxons held the Blue Devils without a point across the final three minutes of play, but trailed 25-28 going into the break.

Four points from Natalee Collins (Waterville, NY/Waterville) in the opening stages of the third quarter tied the game once again for Alfred University. A deep shot by Chest gave the lead back to Alfred University with under six minutes remaining in the third quarter. A shot from beyond the arc by Samantha Fischer (Wappingers Falls, NY/Our Lady of Lourdes) had AU leading 47-46 with one quarter remaining. Consecutive three-point shots by Rittenhouse and Chest to begin the fourth quarter extended the lead for the Saxons. Alfred University relied on a 7-0 run to lead by many as nine points with under four minutes left in regulation. The Blue Devils answered with a 7-0 run of their own, but a layup by Felicia Stewart (Ann Arbor, MI/Pioneer) out of a timeout helped the Saxons come away with the win.

Alfred University will next compete on the road at Oswego State on Saturday at 2:00 PM.