WORCESTER, MA – The Alfred University women's basketball team came up short in its 83-62 loss to Clark University on Sunday. 

Jaidyn Chest (Mayfield, NY/Mayfield) led the way with 17 points while registering three rebounds and three assists. Grace Rittenhouse (Dansville, NY/Dansville) totaled 14 points and a game-high six rebounds. Jessica Beehler (Dunkirk, NY/Dunkirk) finished with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. 

"In the first quarter, we had opportunities but didn't convert whether that be completing passes or making shots at the rim," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. "We really picked it up after the first quarter and did a great job in the second half executing and finishing those opportunities we didn't have to start the game. We're excited to spend some quality time together over the rest of this trip and then prepare for another tough test on the road on Tuesday."

The Saxons (6-3, 0-1 Empire 8) struggled to find their scoring rhythm in the first quarter as the Cougars outscored them, 21-7. Alfred University found its groove scoring in the second quarter, registering 14 points. The first half ended with Clark University taking a 36-21 lead. 

The Saxons opened the third quarter with 10 combined points from Chest, Rittenhouse and Beehler. Back-to-back threes by Beehler and Rittenhouse would bring Alfred University within 14 at the 6:02 mark. However, it was as close as the Saxons would get as the Cougars moved on to victory. 

Clark University shot 35-of-78 (44.9%) from the field and 11-of-32 (34.4%) at the three-point line. Alfred University was 21-of-59 (35.6%) overall and 6-of-22 (27.3%) from behind the arc. The Saxons had the advantage at the free-throw line shooting 14-of-18 (77.8%) compared to the Cougars' 2-of-3 (66.7%).

Alfred University concludes its Massachusetts trip and 2024 at Gordon College on Tuesday, December 31 in Wenham, Massachusetts with tip-off set for 12 PM.