TROY, NY - The Alfred University women's tennis team began Empire 8 competition with a 7-2 loss to Russell Sage College on Saturday afternoon. 

"This was a step in the right direction," Head Coach Jake Fisler said. "The fight was there, but the result wasn't. We just need to continue to trust the process and put the work in. Looking forward to building on this tomorrow at Utica."

Alfred University saw their most competitive effort from doubles action from the top of their lineup with Elizabeth Madsen (Portland, OR/Grant) and Allison Windisch (Pittsford, NY/Sutherland). In singles play, Becca Epping (Mitchell, IN/Bedford North Lawrence) picked up her second singles win of the fall season from the No. 4 position, winning in 6-4, 6-4 fashion. Averill Hollond (Linwood, KS/Basehor-Linwood) rounded out the afternoon for the Saxons with a 6-2, 6-1 win from the No. 6 position. 

Alfred University will next wrap up their weekend on the road at Utica University on Saturday at 1:00 PM.