OSWEGO, NY – A competitive non-conference matchup for the Alfred University women's basketball team ended with a 65-57 loss to Oswego State on Tuesday night from the Max Ziel Gymnasium.
Alfred University was led by the efforts of Gillian Flint (Caledonia, NY/Caledonia-Mumford), who finished the game with 14 points and four rebounds. Leah Harkenrider (Hornell, NY/Hornell) ended with 14 points and three boards. Allison O'Toole (Simi Valley, CA/Simi Valley) added 14 points and three steals off the bench for AU.
"Today was an awesome battle," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. "Both teams emptied the tank in a great game that was back-and-forth and with momentous runs each way. We executed pretty well offensively and got some great looks. Unfortunately, we didn't hit as many as we needed that could've helped us pull away a bit. This was absolutely a playoff game and unfortunately, they made more winning plays than we did down the stretch."
The Saxons relied on the three-point shot early, as Flint and Harkenrider each hit from deep to give AU the lead in the first quarter. The Lakers responded with a 10-0 run to take back the lead with three minutes remaining in the quarter. A late jumper from Oswego State in the final seconds had AU trailing 15-14 entering the second quarter. An 11-1 run to begin the second quarter for Oswego State was snapped by a three-point shot from O'Toole. Later in the quarter, Flint was successful from beyond the arc to cut the deficit for the Saxons, 30-28, going into the break.
Felicia Stewart (Ann Arbor, MI/Pioneer) scored AU's first four points to open the second half, tying the game with 6:59 remaining in the quarter. Moments later, Alfred University took back the lead thanks to a layup from Karly Welty (Portville, NY/Portville Central). Each side traded successful shots to close out the third quarter, as the game was tied 43-43 entering the fourth quarter. The Lakers got off to a hot start offensively in the fourth quarter, putting together a 10-0 run to force the Saxons to play from behind. Despite late three-point shots from Harkenrider and Welty, Alfred University couldn't put together the comeback.
"This was great for us and we will enjoy our time with friends and family, reset and come back ready to prepare for conference play," Moskowitz said.
Alfred University will next take some time to enjoy the Thanksgiving break before returning to action on the road against St. John Fisher University on Friday, December 2 at 5:30 PM.