ALFRED, NY – Embarking on a new era in 2026, the Alfred University women's lacrosse team begins the season with fresh leadership, renewed determination and a balanced mix of returning and new players.

Erin Schurr was named interim head coach in September 2025 after the departure of Julia Decker in August.

Schurr is no stranger to Empire 8 women's lacrosse, having previously been the head coach at Medaille and SUNY Poly.

"I'm familiar with a lot of these programs," she said. "I think that helps our preparation, and it's not unfamiliar territory for me. It helps me frame who the programs are and what we may be facing in the future."
The Saxons concluded 2025 with one of the best seasons in program history, finishing 6-10 overall and 3-6 in E8 play. AU was also one win away from making the playoffs. This season, the Saxons set their sights on making their first ever appearance in the E8 Championship Tournament and their first postseason trip since 2001.

AU returns two of its top three scorers in Kylee Bedette (Waterloo, NY/Waterloo) and Megan Rinker (Le Roy, NY/Le Roy). Bedette tallied 34 points on 20 goals and 14 assists, while Rinker registered 26 points on 20 goals and six assists.

Paige Stansfield (Painted Post, NY/Corning-Painted Post) is another key scorer for the Saxons this season. She led all first-year players in scoring with 19 points on 13 goals and six assists.

Cassidy Primrose (Baldwinsville, NY/C.W. Baker) and Morgan Wise (Kittanning, PA/Armstrong) were selected as this year's team captains. Both student-athletes are great leaders on and off the field. Coach Schurr has credited Primrose and Wise for holding "the team accountable for what those standards are."

"They're not afraid to confront any issues as well as talk through scenarios and situations," she said. "One thing I like is that they're really open with our coaching staff, ask questions and push back a little bit if they really believe in something. I think it is a great trade."

Both Primrose and Wise are expected to be a big presence on defense this season. Primrose was tied for first on the team with 28 caused turnovers while picking up 26 ground balls. Wise tallied 16 caused turnovers and 24 ground balls.

Joining Primrose and Wise on defense is Sydney Angelo (Windsor, NY/Windsor Central). Angelo was tied with Primrose in caused turnovers with 28. She also picked up 36 ground balls.

Molly Howlett (Brockport, NY/Brockport) is back as the starting goalie for AU. She led with 91 saves and 41 ground balls. Howlett earned six wins during her first full season in net.

In addition, Coach Schurr adds three newcomers in Mia Frazier (Cliffside Park, NJ/Inwood Academy for Leadership), Jordan Genant (Johns Creek, GA/Centennial) and Reagan Reidy (Pine City, NY/Elmira).

"We have some serious players on the team," she said. "Our newcomers are a great addition to the team and are a natural fit with our current roster. It has been a really smooth transition. Our team definitely has something special and their bond is awesome. I'm excited to see what the season brings for them."

The Saxons begin the season with three games on the road. AU plays the opener at Buffalo State on Tuesday, February 24, at 4:00 PM. The Saxons will later travel to Fredonia on Saturday, February 28 and SUNY Morrisville on Saturday, March 7. Both contests are set to take place at 1:00 PM. AU's first game at Yunevich Stadium will be the Alfred Cup game against Alfred State College on Tuesday, March 17, at 6:00 PM. The Saxons begin E8 play at Russell Sage College on Saturday, March 21, at 12:00 PM.

The E8 Championship Tournament will take place from April 28 to May 2.

The 2026 season looks promising for AU following recent improvements over the past few years. Coach Schurr is confident in the structure of the E8 schedule and in the non-conference games that will prepare the Saxons for it as they begin their quest for the postseason.

"Being a smaller roster, we aren't necessarily maxed out on games," she said. "The program has grown quite a bit, talent wise. Working through our confidence and knowing that we're setting new standards each year, that's what's motivating us to continue that growth."