Purchase, NY – The Alfred State women's basketball team rang in the new year with a 58-53 victory over the Purchase College Panthers. The Pioneers improve to 6-6 overall.

Taylor Benjamin led Alfred State with 15 points and nine rebounds. Sarah Somers and Emeline Barton followed with 11 points apiece. Barton and Somers also anchored the defensive effort, recording four steals and two blocks, respectively.

Both teams struggled to find a rhythm early, as Alfred trailed 9-5 after the opening quarter. Purchase extended its lead to 13-7 early in the second period before Barton sparked momentum for the Pioneers with a layup in the paint. After several trips to the free-throw line on both ends, Alfred steadily closed the gap, cutting the deficit to 19-17. With under four minutes remaining before halftime, Benjamin knocked down a three-pointer to give the Pioneers a one-point edge. Consistent free-throw shooting allowed Alfred to extend the lead to 27-22 heading into halftime.

Alfred opened the third quarter strong as Barton followed a made free throw from Jordan Niles with a layup to push the lead to 30-22. Benjamin later added a basket inside to give the Pioneers a double-digit advantage, 34-24. Alfred continued to control the pace by getting to the line and limiting the Panthers offensively, entering the fourth quarter ahead 40-29.

The Pioneers maintained their momentum in the final frame as Kirsten Merritt and Benjamin connected on back-to-back three-pointers to extend the lead to 46-29. Purchase mounted a late push, but Alfred remained composed down the stretch to secure the 58-53 victory.

Alfred will return home on Wednesday, January 7^th where they will face off against Carlow University. Tipoff is set for 2pm.