Alfred, NY – The Alfred State women's basketball team defended their homecourt with a 69-60 victory over the Mounties of Mount Aloysius. Alfred improves to 9-7 overall and 3-3 in conference play.

Taylor Benjamin recorded a dominant performance with 21 points, eight rebounds, and three steals while knocking down three shots from deep. Taylor Searle and Alyssa Auer followed, notching double figures with 14 and 13 points, respectively. Jordan Niles filled the stat sheet as she recorded seven points, nine rebounds, and two steals while Emeline Barton registered seven points, 10 rebounds, and three steals.

The Pioneers opened the contest strong, getting on the board with a three-pointer from Benjamin. Both teams traded baskets early, keeping the game tight throughout the opening minutes. Alfred trailed 15–11 late in the first quarter but closed the gap as Barton found her rhythm, scoring on two layups to tie the game. The Mounties answered with a basket of their own to close the quarter ahead 17–15.

The second period began quietly, with neither team scoring in the opening minutes. Benjamin broke the silence with her second triple of the game, giving Alfred an 18–17 edge. The Pioneers maintained control through a back-and-forth stretch, highlighted by scoring from Benjamin, Niles, and Mallory Sprissler. Alfred carried a 32–30 lead into the halftime break.

Momentum shifted early in the third quarter as the Mounties found their footing and built a 37–32 advantage midway through the period. Alfred responded by chipping away at the deficit. Layups from Auer and Benjamin, along with two baskets from Searle, gave the Pioneers a slim 40–39 lead. With the advantage changing hands down the stretch, Alfred closed the quarter on top after a Searle three-pointer, leading 48–46.

In the final frame, the Pioneers controlled the pace from the start, opening with a jumper from Auer. After several timely baskets, Alfred extended its lead to 55–49. Back-to-back three-pointers from Searle and Benjamin pushed the advantage to double digits at 61–49 with 3:58 remaining. Alfred maintained control down the stretch, securing a 69–60 victory.

The Pioneers will head to Hamburg, NY next where they will face the Hilbert Hawks. Tipoff is set for Wednesday, January 21^st at 5pm.
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