ALFRED, NY – Goals across both halves for the Alfred University women's soccer team led to a 3-0 win over neighboring Alfred State College on Wednesday evening as part of the Alfred Cup.

The Saxons (4-1-0, 0-0-0 Empire 8) allowed just two corner kick opportunities to the Pioneers (1-3-0, 0-0-0 AMCC), while totaling 16 shots as part of the victory.

Lina Young (North Collins, NY/North Collins) continued her hot streak for Alfred University, recording a pair of goals across three shot attempts. Julia Flaitz (Arkport, NY/Arkport Central) added her second goal of the fall season. Kiani Barnard-Pratt (Westford, MA/Westford Academy) picked up three saves in a shutout effort with AU.

"Tonight was a very hard-fought game," Head Coach Craig Yanni said. "The team did a good job working through some times and were able to come out with a hard-fought victory."

Both sides played well defensively to begin the game, as Megan Rinker (Le Roy, NY/Le Roy) recorded the first shot on goal within the 24th minute of play. Following five shot attempts by the Saxons, an assist from Ava Thayer (Nunda, NY/Keshequa) to Young put AU ahead in the closing stages of the first half.

In the second half, Flaitz added to the scoring column following a deflected ball off Alfred State's goalkeeper. The defense for AU continued to hold strong, rejecting six shots from the Pioneers across the first 15 minutes. An assist from Alex Ruzekowicz (Westvale, NY/West Genesee) to Young in the 73rd minute extended the advantage for Alfred University. Alfred State was limited to just a pair of shot attempts from the final 20 minutes of regulation, as the Saxons captured the first Alfred Cup win in AU Athletics history.

Alfred University will next begin Empire 8 competition on the road at Keuka College on Saturday at 1:00 PM.