ROCHESTER, NY - The Alfred University women's basketball team ended its weekend with a 72-66 loss against St. John Fisher University on Saturday in Empire 8 action.
 
The Saxons (7-12, 3-8 Empire 8) outscored the Cardinals (20-2, 13-0 Empire 8) in the second and fourth quarters while only giving up a one-point, 23-22 deficit in the first quarter, but a 17-8 third quarter in favor of the hosts kept the upset victory out of reach.
 
Leah Harkenrider (Hornell, NY/Hornell) led Alfred University with a game-high 25 points to go with two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Natalee Collins (Waterville, NY/Waterville) had a double-double performance with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Jaidyn Chest (Mayfield, NY/Mayfield) finished the game with nine points, two steals and four rebounds.
 
"What a great response from our group this afternoon. We really challenged them yesterday, after arguably our worst performance of the year and we responded with great energy and urgency," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. "St. John Fisher is a really good team for a reason. They're consistent in what they do and play together on both ends, but I think we gave them a great run for their money. I'm so proud of our effort today and I'm hopeful we can carry this encouraging performance into Tuesday's matchup at home against Houghton."
 
The Cardinals took an early four point lead in the first quarter until Chest, Collins and Harkenrider rallied to earn the Saxons a 12-6 lead halfway through the period. Second quarter baskets from Samantha Fischer (Wappingers Falls, NY/Our Lady of Lourdes) and Grace Rittenhouse (Dansville, NY/Dansville) helped cut the deficit for AU and end the half tied 40-40 with the Cardinals.
 
Starting the final quarter with a nine-point disadvantage, the Saxons slowly chipped away at the Cardinal lead, bringing it down to the lowest of the period, 70-66 after a Harkenrider 3-pointer with just under a minute remaining. That would go on to be the final points the Saxons scored after a pair of Cardinal free throws ended the scoring and the game.
 
The Saxons will next host Houghton University on Tuesday, February 6 at 5:30pm in Empire 8 action from the Terry S. Galanis Family Arena.