HOUGHTON, NY - A second half goal from Abby Scanlan (Albion, NY/Charles D'Amico) led to a 1-0 win over Houghton University on Saturday afternoon. 

The Saxons (6-3-1, 2-1-1 Empire 8) defended five shots on goal from the Highlanders (6-2-0, 0-2-0 Empire 8), while being credited with nine corner kick attempts. 

Scanlan scored once across a pair of shots on goal. Kiani Barnard-Pratt (Westford, MA/Westford Academy) picked up five saves, recording her 27th career shutout performance. 

"We were glad to bounce back and get a win today," Head Coach Craig Yanni said. "It was a good team effort battling through moments when things weren't going great for us."

The Saxons were efficient in the offensive third to begin the game, attempt three corner kicks inside the first six minutes of action. The defense held the Highlanders without a shot on goal up until the 18th minute, with Barnard-Pratt being credited with her first save of the afternoon. Houghton put across one additional shot on target, but AU went into halftime with a scoreless draw. 

Alfred University was more aggressive with their shots to begin the second half of play, as four Saxons were credited with an attempt in the opening 15 minutes. Following a foul in the 60th minute, a heads-up play from Scanlan while Houghton was preparing for the free kick led to a goal towards the right side of the net. The defense for AU remained resilient throughout regulation, successfully defending five shot attempts and a pair of corner kicks from the Highlanders before coming away with the win. 

Alfred University will next host St. John Fisher University on Wednesday at 7:00 PM. Fans are encouraged to wear the color pink, as women's soccer will be supporting breast cancer awareness.