ALBANY, N.Y. – Russell Sage College held off visiting Alfred 11-9 to pick up an Empire 8 Conference victory on "Senior Day".

The Gators got off to a great start on the cloudy and windy afternoon, leading 5-0 after the first quarter. The early goals proved vital as the Saxons trimmed a 10-4 third quarter deficit to two with 2:04 left. Alfred (5-7/1-2 E8) won the ensuing draw looking to climb even closer, but sophomore goalie Jaia Caron (Bellows Falls, VT/Bellows Falls Union) (Win, 5-6) turned aside the Saxon shot.  With Alfred keeping possession after the Caron save, senior midfielder Ashley Hearn (Waterloo, NY/Waterloo), one of five RSC players to be recognized before the contest, caused a Saxon turnover, their 29th of the matinee, and helped the Gators run out the clock. 

Senior midfielder Grace Hines (Schenectady, NY/Guilderland), who closed the day leading the E8 in points per-game, goals per-game, and goals, topped the victors with four goals.

Junior attacker Maddison Walter (South Glens Falls, NY/South Glens Falls) added two goals, four caused turnovers, and four groundballs, while Hearn registered a goal, an assist, eight groundballs, six caused turnovers and four draw controls. 

Sophomore attacker Kylee Bedette keyed the Alfred comeback attempt with five goals, while senior goalkeeper Alyssa Piechota, announced as the E8 Goalie of the Week on Monday, made a season-high 16 saves. 

Looking ahead, RSC (5-6/1-2 E8) continues Conference play on Friday at 5:00 pm against Keuka. 

Senior Day: Before today's game, Russell Sage College Athletics recognized senior attacker Jasmine Zollman (Delmar, NY/Bethlehem), senior attacker Marissa Key (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury), senior midfielder Alexandra Queeney (Johnstown, NY/Johnstown), Hearn, and Hines for their contributions to the women's lacrosse program.

Gator Bites: The spring marks the first with Matt Johnson at the helm of the Gators…He got the first win on his RSC ledger on March 5 at SUNY Poly…Ten players, including eight starters, return this season…Hines began the season ranked second in school records in both points and goals…She became just the second Gator to score 100 career goals vs. Marywood on March 3…Hines was announced as the Empire 8 Conference Player of the Week honors the next day for her seven goal, one assist performance…Hines started the week leading the E8 in both points (5.13) and goals (4.75) per-game...Queeney was selected the E8 Player of the Week for the period ending Sunday, March 10…She achieved a pair of milestones while helping the Gators go 2-0…Queeney became just the fourth RSC player to surpass 100 career points in Tuesday's win at SUNY Poly and set the program record for career draw controls in Saturday's victory vs. Castleton…The senior totaled five goals, six assists, 14 draw controls, four groundballs, and three caused turnovers across the pair of triumphs…Queeney surpassed 200 career draw controls on March 30 at Nazareth.

Gator Golf: The 19th Annual Gator Golf Classic will be held May 31, 2024. More Information: https://www.sagegators.com/ information/Gator_Golf_Classic