Strong First Half Pushes Pioneers Past Panthers

Alfred, NY – The Alfred State Women's Basketball team defeated the Pitt-Bradford Panthers 85-63 in a conference matchup in the Orvis Gymnasium. The Pioneers improved to 5-17 overall and 4-11 in AMCC play.

Two Pioneers recorded a double-double as Taylor Benjamin led the team with 26 points with 8 assists while grabbing ten rebounds and recording six steals. Taylor Searle had a career high 17 points with 12 rebounds and was 4-4 on three pointers. Jenna George scored ten points with two assists and two blocks. Sarah Somers, Anna Merry, and Jaiden Williams each had eight points for the Pioneers in the win.

Williams opened the scoring for the Pioneers with a three pointer on the first possession. Back-to-back three pointers by Williams and Benjamin towards the end of the quarter would push the Pioneers out to a nine-point lead. The Pioneers had a 22-16 lead after one quarter of play.

Searle made a three pointer halfway through the second quarter to put the Pioneers out in front by 13 points. Benjamin made back-to-back layups at the end of the second quarter to give the Pioneers a 42-23 lead at halftime. The Pioneers outscored the Panthers 20-7 in the second quarter.

Some timely baskets in the third quarter by the Pioneers helped them maintain a 58-43 lead entering the fourth quarter. Merry started the fourth quarter with a three pointer to put the Pioneers out in front by 18 points. Benjamin scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to help the Pioneers seal the victory.

Written By: Nathan Kruckow