Pittsburgh, PA- The Alfred State Women's Basketball team dropped a close contest on the road against the La Roche Redhawks, 83-73. With this loss, the Pioneers now sit at 15-9 overall, 10-5 in conference competition.
 
Taylor Benjamin led the way for the Pioneers with a season-high of 27 points. She also tacked on seven rebounds and was 70% at the free-throw line. Mallory Sprissler added 15 of her own points and six additional rebounds.
 
Alfred State jumped out to an early advantage and closed the opening quarter with momentum, leading La Roche 19–11. Taylor Searle knocked down the first three-pointer of the quarter, and Benjamin followed with an aggressive scoring stretch. Sprissler provided a spark off the bench with a layup and free throw, while the Pioneers forced multiple turnovers and limited second-chance opportunities. The Pioneers built a brief double-digit cushion behind Sprissler and Benjamin, but the Redhawks answered with second-chance points and a late three to pull within one at the break. ASC held off a La Roche surge in the second quarter and took a 37–36 lead into halftime.
 
Momentum shifted in the third quarter as La Roche pulled ahead with a strong scoring rally. Despite an early edge from the Pios, the Redhawks forced turnovers and connected from deep to carry a double-digit lead into the final period, 63-51. Alfred State made a late push in the fourth, cutting the deficit to three, but couldn't complete the comeback as the Redhawks sealed it at the line, taking the win by 10, 83-73.
 
The Pioneers will host their final conference match-up on Saturday against Penn State Altoona, tip off set for 2 pm. Senior day will begin prior to the contest.