ALFRED, NY- The Utica College women's basketball team fell to host Alfred University, 69-57, in Empire 8 Conference action Saturday afternoon. Junior Ashley Mayo (Nanuet, NY/Nanuet) led the Pioneers with 20 points, marking her second straight game with 20 or more points.
 
The Saxons carried a 39-25 lead into halftime, and led by as much as 20, before Utica closed out the third quarter on a 12-3 run.  Mayo netted a layup with 1:17 remaining to bring the game within six, but the Saxons held on for the win.
 
Mayo also added a team-best seven rebounds and seven steals to go along with her 20 points.  Sophomore Rachel Hunter (West Islip, NY/West Islip) had 13 points on the day, while junior Ashelyne Babb (Lynn, MA/Winthrop) finished with 11. Freshman Nicolette Conkin (Los Altos, CA/Homestead) had seven points, while Calypso Carty (Pipersville, PA/Central Bucks West) and Alaina Tripp (Clyde, NY/Clyde-Savannah) each contributed three points in the loss.
 
Alfred had three players score ten or more points, led by Amanda Off, who recorded a double-double with 29 points and 12 boards.
 
The Pioneers return to action Tuesday as they host Ithaca College in the first annual UC Hoops Cares game, to benefit local resident, Erin Pratt, who is currently battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).  Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.