Slow Start Costs Pioneers in USCAA Opener

The Alfred State women's basketball team shot only 20% in the 1st half and couldn't recover from the slow start as they fell 67-43 to Rochester (MI) in the quarterfinals of the USCAA National Championships. 

Rochester connected on seven of their 10 three-pointers in the 1st half and forced Alfred State into 13 turnovers as they raced out to a 36-11 halftime lead. The Pioneers got the offense going and limited their turnovers in the 2nd half and outscored the Warriors 32-31 but never could crack far into the lead.

Catherine Bialecki (Alfred Almond) led Alfred State with 15 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks. Kimberly Levee (Dansville) continued her solid play as of late with 11 points. Michayla Salatel (Geneseo) chipped in seven and Kelly Kane (Wellsville) finished with six.

The blue & gold shot 31.5% for the game, was 4 for 10 from three, and shot just 33% from the foul line. 

Devan Valko connected on 4 three-pointers and led the Warriors with 12 points while her sister Maddy hit 3 three-pointers and finished with 11. Thirteen different Warriors scored in the contest as the team shot 32% from the field and 43.5% (10 of 23) from three.

#3 seed Rochester moves on the USCAA semifinals on Friday where they will take on #2 Berea (KY).

The Pioneers will battle Dean College (MA) in a consolation game at 8 a.m. to close out the 2016-17 season.