ALFRED, NY - The Alfred University women's basketball team fought hard throughout all four quarters as part of a 52-49 win over Hartwick College on Friday evening from the Terry S. Galanis Family Arena. 
 
The Saxons (7-4, 2-3 Empire 8) matched their season-high with 15 made shots from the free throw line, while the Hawks (3-6, 1-2 Empire 8) were limited to 35.4 percent from the field. 
 
Alfred University was led by the efforts of Leah Harkenrider (Hornell, NY/Hornell), who finished with a team-high 14 points to go with four rebounds and three steals. Karly Welty (Portville, NY/Portville Central) ended the game with 10 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Grace Rittenhouse (Dansville, NY/Dansville) stuffed the box score with six points, four boards and three steals for AU. 
 
"It is nice to come out of tonight with a conference win," Head Coach Mike Moskowitz said. "Every game counts. We showed some nice resolve in toughing out a game where we know we could have been more disciplined and played better."
 
Following three lead changes in the early stages of the first quarter, the Saxons relied on free throws from Harkenrider and Welty to remain within reach. The Hawks landed a late jumper in the final minutes before entering the second quarter with a 12-8 lead. Felicia Stewart (Ann Arbor, MI/Pioneer) scored four points as part of a 10-0 run for the Saxons in the second quarter, as AU led by as many as five points. Hartwick responded with a 7-0 run of their own to take back the lead, as Alfred University trailed 23-21 going into the break.
 
Harkenrider opened the second half with a three-point shot to give AU the one-point advantage. Later in the quarter, a layup from Harkenrider extended the lead to eight points. The Hawks cut their deficit down to one point, but successful free throw shooting had the Saxons leading 40-37 by the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, a three-point shot by Hartwick was matched with a three-point shot by Rittenhouse to preserve the lead. Hartwick took the lead once more, but late free throws and strong defense from Alfred University was enough to secure the win.
 
"We know that Russell Sage is going to bring a high intensity tomorrow," Moskowitz said. "It's always a physical battle against them and we're looking forward to going out and competing at a high level against a talented, well-coached team."
 
Alfred University will next return to action when they host Russell Sage College on Saturday with tip-off set for 2:00 PM.