ALFRED, N.Y. – The Alfred University women's basketball team came out on top with its first Empire 8 Conference victory of the season against Elmira College, 67-48, on Friday at Terry S. Galanis Family Arena. 

Jaidyn Chest (Mayfield, N.Y./Mayfield) led the way with 20 points, marking the third time this season that the sophomore has scored this many points in a game. Natalee Collins (Waterville, N.Y./Waterville) registered her second double-double of the season, third in her career, after notching 11 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Grace Rittenhouse (Dansville, N.Y./Dansville) also recorded 11 points while matching her season-high eight rebounds. 

"Really proud of our response the last few days as we challenged everyone to get back to our roots of competing and controlling what we can control," head coach Mike Moskowitz. "The tone was really set by Grace tonight. Jaidyn got us off to a nice start and Nat gave a great effort on both ends. She and Ava provided some big minutes. Excited to compete tomorrow." 

The Saxons (7-5, 1-2 Empire 8) jumped out to a 12-4 lead in the first quarter. The Soaring Eagles trimmed the home team's advantage to one at the start of the second, 14-13. Alfred University continued to hold onto its lead before Elmira College got in front with seven unanswered points, 24-22. Felicia Stewart (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer) brought the Saxons back on top with a three-point play. The visitors tied the contest at 25-all with a free throw going into halftime. 

Alfred University came out big in the second half shooting 45.2% (14-31) while holding Elmira College to just 20.6% (7-34). In the third quarter, Collins scored six of the Saxons' first eight points while Ava Anastasi (Sanborn, N.Y./Starpoint) drained a three that ignited a 13-6 run. Alfred University outscored Elmira, 21-8, which led to a double-digit lead for the home team heading into the final 10 minutes, 46-33. Alfred University continued to build on its lead in the fourth quarter and secure the victory. 

The Saxons shot 37.5% (24-64) overall with 21.7% (5-23) at the three-point line and 73.7% (14-19) from the free-throw line. The Soaring Eagles were 24.2% (16-66), 18.2% from behind the arc and 84.6% (11-13) at the charity stripe. Alfred University outscored Elmira College, 36-22, in the paint and 16 fast break points. 

Up next, the Saxons have a quick turnaround as they host Keuka College at 2 p.m. On Saturday.