KEUKA PARK, NY – The Alfred University women's basketball team dropped a close Empire 8 contest at Keuka College, 57-51, on Saturday.
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The Saxons (9-11, 3-8 Empire 8) started strong with a 15-7 advantage in the first quarter, but momentum shifted as AU was outscored in the next three quarters, allowing the Wolves (8-11, 3-8 Empire 8) to put the game out of reach.
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Jayda L. Felker (Corning, NY/Corning-Painted Post) led with 18 points, four rebounds and three steals. Natalee Collins (Waterville, NY/Waterville) grabbed 11 rebounds to go with six points.
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AU jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter. Keuka College scored its first basket of the game at 2:31 before Libby Benner (Nunda, NY/Keshequa) scored on the layup a minute later. The Wolves tallied back-to-back baskets, but the Saxons hung on for the 15-7 advantage at the end of the first.
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In the second quarter, Keuka College trimmed AU's deficit to two at the 6:57 mark. The Saxons stayed in front with two free throws from Kate Quinn (West Seneca, NY/West Seneca West) and buckets by Felker and Ashaya Wallace (Elmira, NY/Elmira). In the final minutes of the quarter, the Wolves hit a 3-point shot that sparked an 8-4 run, narrowing the Saxons' lead to two once again. Despite Keuka's run, AU entered halftime still ahead at 29-27.
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Keuka College tied the game at 29-all at the beginning of the third. Both teams were neck-and-neck until the 7:23 mark when the Saxons were outscored by the Wolves, 11-2, trailing 44-36 with under four minutes left. Felker hit a 3-point shot and two free throws that brought AU within three. Keuka College scored one last basket with a minute left for the 46-41 advantage going into the fourth.
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Jaidyn Chest (Mayfield, NY/Mayfield) registered the first basket of the fourth on a layup. A 3-point shot from Benner and a layup from Felker tied the game at 48-all with 5:45 left. Unfortunately, Keuka College broke the tie with two quick baskets that ignited a 9-3 run to pull away. AU was held scoreless from the field during the run.
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The Saxons next prepare for a long trip east for two E8 contests, beginning at Utica University on Friday, February 6, at 5:30 PM.