ERIE, PA – The Alfred University women's cheerleading team began its 2024 season with a trip to the Penn State Behrend Spirit Against Cancer invitational and finished second in the Women's College All-Girl Intermediate division on Sunday.
 
"We started the season a week earlier than ever before and with just three weeks of practice, performed a 0-deduction routine. I consider that a success," Head Coach, Dr. Amy Button-Ervin said. "Our score sheets had really positive feedback with regard to the strength of our jumps, choreography and baskets. So, now, we get back on the mats to upgrade our stunts and clean tumbling up a bit more before our next  competition. Year five is destined to be the best yet."
 
The Saxons scored 70.0 points and were 9.5 points behind perennial powerhouse, Gannon University.
 
"Overall, I am really proud of our performance today," Coach Button-Ervin said. "With a flyer and base injured, we had to revamp stunts a bit and one group unfortunately marked the single series and tosses. However, transfer student, Brynne Livelsberger, has worked tirelessly with her bases (Chloe Fox, Chealyn Howard, and Malena Mason) to step into one group.  And, with just half a practice left, we put in Danni Chudy to rework the pyramid. Pyramid center flyer, Lily Gowie, handled the transition with grace and really used her skill, with support from flyers, Averill Hollond and Corinne Waid, and their bases to make the pyramid hit on the mat today. Today was a true testament to our ever-continuing ability to manage adversity in this growing and developing program."
 
The Saxons will next travel to Elmira College for the Upstate Collegiate Championship on Sunday, March 10. The show is one week before AU continues its historic fifth season as the Saxons will host their first ever Collegiate Cheer & Dance Competition on Sunday, March 17 in the Terry S. Galanis Family Arena.