NIAGARA FALLS, NY -- The Alfred University women's rugby team fell to Niagara University in the UNYCRC Conference Semifinal 66-12 on Saturday afternoon.

"I'm incredibly proud of this team and how they've put us on the map this year within the conference and nationally going undefeated up until the playoffs," Head Coach Dr. Nicole Bernsen said. "To reach the conference semi-final and be ranked nationally for four weeks in just our third year as a varsity program shows how much dedication, hard work, and grit this group has. Thank you to our amazing leadership and especially our six seniors."

It was the first loss of the XVs season for the Saxons, falling to the top seed in the conference and the fifth-ranked team in the National Collegiate Rugby Divison III coaches poll.

AU got the scoring going with Jordayn Williams (Palmdale, CA/Quartz Hill) scoring a penalty try and conversion. The final try of the afternoon was scored by Ellie Prestridge (Bethel, VT/White River Valley). The Saxons weren't able to keep up, and fall just short of retaining the plate in the UNYCRC XVs season.

Alfred University will turn its attention towards an opportunity to play in a bowl game later this fall, as well as prepare for the 7s spring season.