BROCKPORT, NY – The Alfred University women's basketball team showed a big effort in the fourth quarter but dropped its road contest to SUNY Brockport, 83-59, on Saturday.

Grace Rittenhouse (Dansville, NY/Dansville) led the Saxons (10-7, 4-4 Empire 8) with 11 points and six rebounds. Jayda L. Felker (Corning, NY/Corning-Painted Post) and Jaidyn Chest (Mayfield, NY/Mayfield) each finished with 10 points.

"Was really frustrated with our start," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said, "We let them do what they wanted on both ends and put ourselves in yet another early deficit. Proud of our response in the second half, but we can't have another bad start or it will continue to cost us opportunities to win the game."

Both teams were neck-in-neck at the start of the contest. Rittenhouse and Natalee Collins (Waterville, NY/Waterville) scored the first two baskets for Alfred University. SUNY Brockport (15-2, 8-0 Empire 8) then went on a 10-0 run to take a 15-4 lead at the 3:53 mark. Down by 14 in the final minute of the first quarter, Felker scored two free throws that ignited an 8-0 run that stretched into the second quarter to bring the Saxons within six, 22-16. However, the Eagles outscored the visitors, 23-4, to take a 45-20 lead at halftime.

Chest notched the first four points for Alfred University in the third quarter. The Saxons continued to struggle from the field but took advantage of the free-throw line as they shot 9-of-12.

Alfred University cranked up the heat in the fourth quarter. The Saxons went 9-of-24 from the field and 5-of-14 from the three-point line. Six players scored during the final 10 minutes, with Felker registering six of those points. However, it was not enough for Alfred University to make a comeback.

The Saxons shot 19-of-66 (.288) from the field, 6-of-34 (.176) at the three-point line and 15-of-21 (.714) from the free-throw line. The Eagles were 32-of-80 (.400) overall, 6-of-20 (.300) from behind the arc and 13-of-18 (.722) at the charity stripe.

Alfred University tallied 21 points on 16 offensive rebounds. However, the Saxons were outscored in the paint, 40-24, and had 23 turnovers that resulted in 21 points for the Eagles.

Alfred University will next return to Terry S. Galanis Family Arena to face Houghton University at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28. Prior to the game, Alfred University Athletics will take time to recognize Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day, where members of the women's basketball program will honor those who have made an impact for themselves off the court.