Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's basketball team secured their first win of the season, defeating the Alfred State Pioneers 62-53. Alysa Jackson led the Wildcats with 21 points, while freshman Sanaa Lee was a standout defensively, recording seven blocks. With the victory, SUNY Poly improves to 1-3 on the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The game began with both teams exchanging baskets in an evenly matched first quarter. Three-pointers from Kelsey Meca, Maria Bacigalupo, and Kate Donnelly gave the Wildcats a slight 10-9 advantage heading into the second period.

Alfred State came out strong in the second quarter, opening with a 9-0 run to take an 18-10 lead. However, the Wildcats responded with an 11-3 run to close the half. Despite the late surge, the Pioneers held a narrow two-point lead at the break.

The third quarter saw the Wildcats spreading the ball effectively, with five players contributing to a 17-point total. Defensively, SUNY Poly dominated, limiting the Pioneers to just seven points on 1-of-19 shooting, creating a comfortable margin going into the final period.

SUNY Poly extended their lead to as much as 14 points in the fourth quarter, but Alfred State mounted a strong comeback, trimming the deficit to just five with 40 seconds left. However, clutch free throws from Jackson, Bacigalupo, and Lee helped seal the win as the Wildcats held on for a 62-53 victory.