Cresson, PA – The Alfred State women's basketball team defeated Mount Aloysius on the road, 74-67, improving to 14-8 overall and 9-4 in AMCC play.

Taylor Benjamin powered the Pioneers with 22 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. Jordan Niles added 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Alyssa Auer chipped in 16 points along with three steals.

Both teams started the opening quarter slowly, trading baskets early, but a three-pointer from Benjamin with 2:15 left gave the Pioneers a 12-8 lead. Thirty seconds later, Taylor Searle connected from beyond the arc to extend the advantage. The Mounties kept it close until the final nine seconds when Benjamin knocked down another deep three, giving Alfred State an 18-12 lead heading into the second quarter.

The second quarter again began with both teams trading baskets, but the Pioneers maintained control. Key three-pointers from Benjamin and Auer helped spark the offense, while inside finishes from Niles and Emeline Barton provided crucial points as Alfred State carried a 35-31 lead into halftime.

The third quarter was tightly contested, with Mount Aloysius briefly taking the lead. With 5:50 remaining, Auer scored back-to-back layups to regain the advantage for the Pioneers, 48-44. The Mounties responded late, and the game was tied 53-53 heading into the final quarter.

Mount Aloysius again grabbed the lead early in the fourth, but a 14-9 Alfred State run — sparked by a Kirsten Merritt mid-range jumper — gave the Pioneers a 71-67 advantage. Barton capped the run with a layup with 56 seconds remaining. Alfred State sealed the victory at the free-throw line to secure the 74-67 win.