The Pioneers Secure Home Victory Over Bengals

Alfred, NY- The Alfred State women's basketball team defeated Buffalo State in a gritty win in Orvis Gymnasium. They move to 3-8 on the season. 

Freshman Anna Merry lead the way with 19 points, 9 rebounds, shooting an impressive 85% from the free throw line.  Jaiden Williams went 80% from the 3-point line, dishing in 14 points and 3 assists.  Sarah Somers also had a good game with 13 points and 8 rebounds while Josie Barton came off the bench and contributed 12 points and 8 rebounds. 

The Pioneers started the game cold, giving the Bengals an 8-0 start before Sarah Somers finally broke it open with a drive to the basket layup.  A few possessions later, Jaiden Williams buried a fast break three assisted by Jenna George.  Josie Barton then had two aggressive offensive plays, getting herself to the free throw line two possessions in a row and taking the lead 10-8.

Alfred State found their rhythm to start the second quarter, beginning with a Taylor Benjamin 3-pointer and a Jaiden Williams 3-pointer one possession later.  However, Buffalo State came back to take the lead 17-16 before Jaiden Williams hits her third 3-pointer on the evening.  After forcing the Bengals into foul trouble, the Pioneers took the lead heading into half 26-19 off some key free throw makes from Anna Merry, Jessica Harris, and Josie Barton.

Josie Barton continued to make an impact, draining a 3-pointer early into the third quarter before the Pioneers began to break the lead open with multiple transition layups from Sarah Somers.  Anna Merry buried a 3-pointer with four minutes to go, bringing the gap to a 20-point lead. 

To start the fourth quarter, Buffalo State ramped up the pressure to force some turnovers and rattle the Pioneers, but Alfred State was led by Anna Merry at the free-throw line to maintain the lead.  Alfred State would go on to close the game and head into the semester break with one final non-conference win.