ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University women's basketball team improved to a 2-0 start on the season with a home opener victory against Buffalo State University, 67-44, on Tuesday.
 
Jaidyn Chest (Mayfield, NY/Mayfield) and Natalee Collins (Waterville, NY/Waterville) each posted a double-double for the Saxons (2-0, 0-0 Empire 8). Chest led with 18 points on 6-of-12 from the field and 4-of-5 at the 3-point line while grabbing 10 rebounds. Collins tallied a career-high 14 points on 7-of-12 and posted 11 boards. Chest added two assists and two steals to her stat line while Collins blocked three shot attempts by the Bengals (0-1, SUNYAC).
 
Libby Benner (Nunda, NY/Keshequa) registered 5-of-11 with 3-of-9 from behind the arc to end the night with a career-high 13 points.

AU jumped out to a 23-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the contest. The Saxons notched 7-of-17 of their 8-of-22 from the 3-point line. AU showed its presence on defense as it held the Bengals to just 1-of-13 overall. 
 
AU shot 27-of-75 (.360) from the field, 8-of-33 (.242) at the 3-point line and 5-of-10 (.500) from the free-throw line. The Saxons held the Bengals scoreless from behind the arc (0-18). Buffalo State University went 17-of-71 (.239) overall and 10-of-18 (.556) at the charity stripe. AU had a 36-26 advantage in the paint and converted 19 points off of 20 Bengal turnovers.
 
The Saxons controlled the boards and showed strong ball distribution. AU outrebounded the Bengals, 56-51, and scored 19 points off 17 offensive rebounds. Nineteen of AU's field goals were assisted, including eight in the first quarter. Jayda L. Felker (Corning, NY/Corning-Painted Post) registered a career-high eight assists. 
 
"We came out playing some quality basketball on both ends," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. We had assists on all eight first-quarter field goals and had five stretches of three straight stops, both of which led to a huge advantage out of the gate. We have to find a way to get back on track and get into a better flow on offense when we get stagnant. On the defensive end, we have to finish possessions as well as we did in the first half. We allowed 15 second half offensive rebounds, which led to a lot of fouls and second chance points. Excited to prep for a tough weekend with this group."
 
AU will compete in the Crossbar Alfred Classic this weekend. The Saxons play their first game of the tournament against Bard College across the street at Alfred State College on Friday at 5:00 PM.