Alfred, NY – The Alfred State women's basketball team notched a strong 65-53 victory over the SUNY Poly Wildcats. The Pioneers improve to 3-4 overall.

Leading the charge, Taylor Benjamin posted 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists while shooting an efficient 3–8 from deep. Kirsten Merritt added 14 points, knocking down four triples. Sarah Somers and Jordan Niles anchored the defensive efforts with two steals each.

The Pioneers came out of the gate swinging as they jumped to a 7-2 lead within the first three minutes. After a free throw from Somers, Emeline Barton finished at the rim to push Alfred into double digits. The momentum continued throughout the quarter, and the Pioneers closed the first with a 16-9 advantage behind key contributions from Benjamin and Somers.

Alfred kept its momentum rolling into the second period. Merritt opened the frame with a three-pointer to stretch the lead to double digits. Moments later, she connected from long range again to make it 22-9. The Pioneer offense continued heating up as they mounted a dominant 16-2 run. Benjamin and Taylor Searle each hit two triples, while Merritt scored inside to extend the margin to 35-15. Alfred entered halftime leading 39-18.

In the second half, Alyssa Auer opened the third quarter with a layup before Merritt drilled her fourth triple of the night. The Pioneers maintained a comfortable margin throughout the quarter behind continued production from Auer and Benjamin, heading into the fourth with a 53-29 lead.

In the final period, SUNY Poly chipped away and cut the deficit to ten, but Alfred State stayed composed and secured the 65-53 win.

The Pioneers continue their homestand on Saturday, December 6, when they host La Roche University. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.