Score: Elmira College 64, Alfred University 61
Records:  Elmira (5-14, 1-9 E8), Alfred (6-12, 2-7 E8)
Location: Speidel Gymnasium – Elmira, N.Y.

ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The Elmira College women's basketball team picked up its first Empire 8 Conference victory in thrilling fashion on Saturday afternoon, as the Soaring Eagles engineered a second-half comeback to down Alfred University by a final score of 64-61 in Speidel Gymnasium.

Elmira turned the contest around following the half time break, as the Soaring Eagles rediscovered their shooting stroke. EC knocked down 53.3-percent (8-for-15) of its shots in the third quarter and followed that up with a 50-percent (6-for-12) mark from the field in the final quarter of regulation.

The Soaring Eagles' defense played a large role in the victory, as Elmira forced the Saxons into 19 turnovers, which resulted in 14 steals and 23 points for the Purple and Gold. On the opposite end of the floor, Rachel Vespucci '19 led the charge with a team-high 17 points and eight rebounds. Lindsey Heaton '19 chipped in 13 points and a game-high nine assists, while Bridget Yaw '20 rounded out EC's double-digit scorers with 13 points.

Despite starting the third quarter down 30-to-19, the Soaring Eagles outscored the Saxons 16-to-6, as they began to turn the tide late in the quarter. After trading points with Alfred to open the period, EC used a 6-0 run to pull back within one as time wound down. Heaton got the run started with a lay-in with 2:31 on the clock. The senior instigated the Purple and Gold's next basket, as she forced a steal and fed a streaking Alyssa Waters'22 for an easy make in transition. Vespucci rounded out the barrage with a pull-up jumper to send Elmira into the fourth quarter down 36-35.

The final quarter of the afternoon was a downright battle, as Elmira poured in 29 points, while Alfred added 25. The conference rivals went back-and-forth over the first six minutes of the quarter, as the Saxons snuck out to an eight point lead. Another 6-to-0 run from the Soaring Eagles cut Alfred's lead to two with a little over three minutes to play.

As time continued to wind down, Waters knocked down a huge 3-pointer with just under two minutes to play, to push the Purple and Gold ahead, 57-54.  The Soaring Eagles maintained their lead from there as the Saxons were forced to foul. The Purple and Gold knocked down all but two of their free throw attempts in the final two minutes, as EC secured the victory at the foul line.
 
News and Notes

• Elmira earned its first Empire 8 win of the season.
• Alfred held the edge on the glass, 44-to-36.
• EC outscored the Saxons 12-to-4 on the fast break.
• The Soaring Eagles tied their season-high with 14 steals.
• Six players finished with at least two steals.
• Vespucci scored in double figures for the seventh time this season.
• Yaw's 13 points were a season-high.
• Lauren Franklin '20 finished with nine points and six rebounds.
• Heaton's nine assists were a season-best.  

Up Next
The Soaring Eagles continue their four-game homestand on Tuesday, February 5, when they welcome Hartwick College to Speidel Gymnasium. Tip-off against the Hawks is set for 5:00 p.m.