ALBANY, NY –Russell Sage College women's soccer team hosted the Saxons of Alfred University in an Empire 8 match-up. Both teams brought a 1-0 league record into the match as Sage's graduate performer Natalie Ricci (Cohoes, NY/Cohoes) collected the only goal of the day to lift RSC to the win.  The Gators are now 3-4-1 overall and 2-0 in the E8, while Alfred is now 3-4 overall and 1-1 in the conference.

After playing to a scoreless tie at the half, Ricci made the most of an opportunity getting a pass from junior Allison Basila (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury) from about 30 yards out on the top left side of the box to beat AU's rookie keeper, Kiani Barnard-Pratt (Westford, MA/Westford Academy) for the game-winner. The goal was second of the fall for Ricci and her first game-winner as well in 2022. Ricci now has 59 career points and is sole possession of 10^th place in the career point list at RSC. Her 25 career goals ranks ninth as well.

RSC's graduate performer Michaela Buzzy (Oneonta, NY/Oneonta) picked up her second straight shutout win with three saves in the contest and is now 2-0 on the year. She has worked 24 games in goal at RSC and had three saves in the contest and is now 2-0 on the year. She has worked 24 games in goal at RSC andhas.4 career shutouts which is 11^th best at RSC.  

Alfred's keeper Barnard-Pratt (3-4) made 11 saves in the contest.

The Gators return to action on September 27 at Nichols College.