FREDONIA, NY – The Alfred University women's rugby team earned a 38-37 nail-biting victory over Fredonia on Sunday.
 
This marks the first ever full regulation 15's victory in program history for the Saxons.
 
"Words cannot describe the immense pride and utter awe we had for the determination and grit the team demonstrated today," Head Coach Dr. Nicole Bernson said. "They embodied our values and fought until the end. Saxons never retreat."
 
Cori Recktenwald (Corning, NY/Corning-Painted Post) opened the scoring with AU's first try (3-1, 1-0 UNYCRC), but Fredonia responded with three-straight to take a 15-5 lead.
 
AU had to play with 13 players in the second half after losing two to injuries. However, it did not stop the Saxons from giving up. Zia Oellig (Colorado Springs, CO/Fountain Valley School of Colorado) and Samantha Stock (Ellicottville, NY/Ellicottville Central) each registered a try to get the AU back in the lead, 19-15. The Blue Devils later returned in front by one. The Saxons responded with two tries from Ava Webber (Cobleskill, NY/Cobleskill-Richmondville) and one by Stock to break Fredonia's edge with an 18-point advantage, 38-20. Despite the Fredonia notching back-to-back tries to get within one, AU used its defense to hold on for its first UNYCRC win of the 15's season.
 
Alyssa Ainsworth (Vestal, NY/Corning-Painted Post) tallied eight points on four conversions.
 
"In the end, this was a learning experience, playing down people and working under pressure," Ainsworth said. "I'm so grateful that everyone pushed themselves to support each other and come out with a win."
 
"We had a rough first half, but we came back in the second with our heads high," Stock said. "We finished the nail-biter one point up and two players down. I'm so proud of the team and I am so excited to keep growing."
 
"It was the team's first full match and the day was hot," Jordayn Williams (Palmdale, CA/Quartz Hill) said. "But we pushed through and dominated throughout the game. Playing with fewer than fifteen players for half of the game, we were at a disadvantage. But we were determined to come out on top. I am excited for the rest of the season and excited to watch AU come out on top again."
 
The Saxons will host their first home game of the season against SUNY Brockport for Saxon-for-Saxon on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 11:00 AM.