ALFRED, N.Y.—Alfred State (2-2-1) scored early, but the SUNY Potsdam women's soccer team (7-1) rallied for a 2-1 victory on Saturday evening. Sophomore forward Lexi Dean (Schenectady, N.Y./Schenectady) and senior midfielder Brooke Falsion (Brockport, N.Y./Brockport) each scored for the Bears.
 
The Pioneers jumped in front at the 7:30 mark as Michayla Salatel scored on the very first shot of the game. It was nearly all Potsdam after that as the Bears outshot Alfred State 9-3 in the first 45 minutes. At 35:34, Dean knotted the score with an assist from senior midfielder Rylie Murray (Berkley, Mich./Berkley). However, Pioneers goalie Madison Papaj stopped the other five shots that came her way and the score remained 1-1 at the break.
 
Potsdam continued to dominate the second half, allowing just two Alfred State shots and taking 18 of its own. Papaj was sharp and kept the Pioneers in the game with 10 more saves, but eventually the pressure was too much. At 85:01, Murray created another opportunity and Falsion buried the game-winner.
 
Bears junior goalie Delphine Léonard (Anjou, Quebec/Dawson College Prep) didn't need a save for her ninth career win. Papaj finished with 15 stops.
 
Potsdam outshot Alfred State 27-5 and had 11 corner kicks while only allowing two.
 
Falsion now has 88 career points (38g, 12a) and Murray is up to 54 (14g, 26a). Falsion needs 14 points to tie for the program's scoring crown, while Murray is just seven out of third place.
 
The Bears open SUNYAC play next Friday when square off with defending conference champ Geneseo at 4 p.m on the road.