Alfred, NY -- The Elmira College women's basketball team (4-6, 1-2 E8) snapped a three-game skid by defeating Empire 8 Conference foe Alfred University (2-8, 0-3 E8) 69-62 today. Alex Balara '15 extended her double-digit scoring streak to six games after posting a game-high 23 points and also added eight rebounds, three steals, two assists, and a block in today's win.

Danielle Cleary '18 produced 17 points, four rebounds and an assist while Meghan Loya '16 tallied 13 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Kelsey Geisler '15 posted a career-best seven assists as well as seven points, three rebounds, and a steal while Karli Pochkar '16 chipped in six rebounds, five points, and five assists in the win as well.

Elmira kicked off the game on a 6-2 run sparked by a Cleary layup. The Saxons responded by scoring the game's next seven points to take a 9-6 lead 4:54 into the first half. Over the next 5:14 the Purple and Gold went on a 6-3 run to tie the game up at 12-12. Both teams traded baskets for the next for 7:14 as the teams found themselves tied once again at 21-21 with only 2:36 left in the first half. Elmira then capped off the first half with an 8-1 run, with Cleary scoring the final six points of the half.

Loya opened things up in the second half, scoring the first bucket to take an early 31-22 lead in the second half. The Saxons battled back and tied the game up at 35-35 just 5:12 into the half. Both teams went back and forth scoring baskets for the next 10:59 as the score was tied 10 more times until 3:49 left in the second half. Tied at 61-61, the Purple and Gold finished the game with another 8-1 run to win, 69-62.

The Soaring Eagles will compete next this Friday, January 6th when the EC women host Utica College in an Empire 8 Conference matchup at 6:00 p.m. Friday will also be Elmira's Gold Rush game where fans are encouraged to wear Gold to be entered into a raffle to win prizes.