Alfred, NY- The Alfred State Women's Basketball team hosted their final conference match-up of the season as well as recognizing their four seniors today. Despite a hard fought battle, the Pioneers came up short against the Penn State Altoona Lions, 69-54.
 
Three Pios led in today's afternoon contest, Jordan Niles topping the group with 16 points and four rebounds. Emeline Barton followed suit with 13 points and five rebounds while Taylor Benjamin added a double-double, tallying 11 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.
 
In honor of one of Alfred States seniors, Jenna George, who recently tore her ACL, ending her collegiate career. George was given the opportunity to start the game and make the first bucket assisted by Benjamin.
 
In the first quarter, the Pios struggled to find their rhythm offensively, while the Lions managed to extend a lead to as many as 12 points, 22-10. Barton laid in four points and Mallory Sprissler added a pair of free throws to cut their lead to six points, 22-16. ASC continued to chip away at the deficit in the second quarter behind strong plays from Benjamin and Niles. Benjamin scored inside and later knocked down a three, while Niles added a transition layup to pull the Pioneers within four midway through the quarter. Barton and Sprissler provided key work on the glass to create second chances, and Taylor Searle added a late paint finish. Despite the push, Penn State Altoona maintained a small edge, leading 34-26 at the break.
 
In the third, Makenna Manning provided a spark for the Pioneers at the line and Alana Wilson later added two of her own free throws. Benjamin continued to knock down some late threes assisted by Barton to give them a lift, but Altoona maintained control leading 53-34 into the fourth quarter. Niles would lead the fourth quarter, notching nine out of her 16 points, while Benjamin grabbed key steals to cut the deficit to 10. With a few late buckets from Barton and Searle near the end, the Lions pulled away to hold off the rally, securing the 69-54 win.
 
The Pioneers close out their regular season with a 15-10 record, 10-6 in the conference. As the #4 seed, they will host the #5 seed, Mount Aloysius on Tuesday, February 24^th with tip off set for 7 pm.