ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University women's basketball team fell to SUNY Brockport, 81-50, in an Empire 8 matchup on Saturday.

The Saxons (9-8, 3-5 Empire 8) started out strong in the first quarter with a 16-14 advantage. But the Golden Eagles (11-6, 7-1 Empire 8) dominated the other three quarters, including outscoring AU by a score of 22-6 in the fourth. 

Jaidyn Chest (Mayfield, NY/Mayfield) led the way with 19 points, five rebounds and two steals. Natalee Collins (Waterville, NY/Waterville) picked up another double double by matching her career-high 14 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. 

AU jumped out to a 9-4 lead in the early stages of the first quarter. SUNY Brockport responded with six unanswered points to get back in front by two, 11-9. Chest hit back-to-back threes while Collins went 1-of-2 at the free throw line that helped the Saxons regain the lead, 16-11. Despite three final points made by the Golden Eagles, AU ended the first quarter with a 16-14 advantage. 

Unfortunately,the Golden Eagles took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Saxons, 26-11, to take a 40-27 lead into halftime. AU was held to just 9-of-30 (.300) from the field during the second half while SUNY Brockport continued to build on its lead with 17-of-37 (.459) overall.

"We did some good things today and competed really well for about 27 minutes today and won by three," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. "The other 13 minutes, bridging the first and second quarter and the end of the game, we lost by 34. That shows our inconsistencies that we need to improve on to put together a full 40 minutes. We'll be ready to play a talented Houghton team on Tuesday."

The Saxons are on the road for their next four E8 contests, beginning at Houghton University on Tuesday at 5:30 PM.