Rifenburg Drains Three to Seal Women's Basketball Win

CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, 518-629-7898 or 518-416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Friday, November 8, 2019

The Hudson Valley women's basketball team defeated Jefferson 86-85 in dramatic fashion on Friday evening at the McDonough Sports Complex on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College. 

Trailing 84-83, Vikings freshman Alexandra Rifenburg (Schaghticoke/Hoosic Valley) stepped up and hit a spot up three from the top of the key to put the Vikings ahead of Jefferson 86-84 with 18 seconds remaining in the game. Jefferson earned a trip to the foul line with 2.7 seconds remaining and converted on one of two shots, which allowed the Vikings to secure the one-point win. 

The Vikings had three individuals finish with at least 10 points and were led for the third straight game by freshman Emily Erickson (Melrose/Tamarac). Erickson has been shooting the ball very well to start her career at Hudson Valley. She has scored at least 23 points in each of the Vikings games this season. Entering Friday's match up, Erickson was ranked second in the NJCAA Region 3 with 24.5 points per game. 

Rifenburg finished the game with 14 points, five rebounds and three steals in 21 minutes of action. She also shot 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, which included the game-winning bucket. 

Grace VanRoy (Saugerties/Saugerties) added 10 points and six rebounds in 24 minutes. The Vikings ultimately had their scoring spread out among nine players, with seven scoring at least eight points. As a team, the Vikings outshot Jefferson with 15 made three-point field goals, compared to Jefferson's five. 

The Vikings are back in action tomorrow, Saturday, November 9 when they travel to face a tough Herkimer program in Herkimer, NY. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.