La Plume, PA- The Alfred State Women's Basketball team solidified a big New Year's Eve win over the Keystone Giants, 61-35. The Pioneers roll into the New Year with a 5-6 overall record, 1-2 in the conference.
 
Kirsten Merritt led the way for the Pios, as she knocked down 12 points, grabbing two rebounds and tallying three assists. Taylor Benjamin contributed 10 of her own points, snatching six rebounds and tacking on four assists. Emeline Barton and Sarah Somers also added eight points each.
 
Merritt nailed her first three at the eight-minute mark, quickly followed by a layup in the paint, 5-1. ASC closed out the first quarter holding a seven point lead over Keystone, 15-8. In the second quarter, the Pioneers went on a nine-point rally including buckets from Merritt, Barton, Jordan Niles and Taylor Searle giving them a 13 point lead. The Giants grabbed a few last second buckets before halftime, 30-19.
 
Keystone found the scoreboard first but the Pios quickly retaliated as Somers laid in a layup. Benjamin notched a three-pointer a few minutes later to keep the momentum going. Heading into the final quarter, Alfred stretched their lead further as they held the Giants by 17 points, 45-28. The Pioneers energy continued allowing them to fully take control of the court and secure the win over the Giants, 61-35.
 
The Pioneers head to Purchase, NY to take on the Panthers on January 2^nd, tip off set for 2 pm.