FREDONIA, N.Y. -- Known for its explosive offense, it was the Fredonia defense that propelled the Devils to a 61-51 victory over Plattsburgh on Saturday. Averaging over 82 points per game heading into the contest, the Devils limited Plattsburgh to 18 of 73 shooting (25 percent). In the decisive second and third quarters, the Cardinals mustered only four field goals.

The Fredonia offense was paced by sophomore Jenna Einink (Westfield, N.Y. / Chautauqua Lake), who had her second double-double of the season with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alexis Cheatham (Lockport, N.Y. / Lockport) added 11 points and five assists, and Alisha Szumigala (Forestville, N.Y. / Forestville) grabbed 11 rebounds. Sarah Sweazy (Rochester, N.Y. / Rush-Henrietta) added nine points off the bench.

Fredonia improves to 6-1 and 2-0 in the SUNYAC.

The teams kept it even early, with Plattsburgh nursing a 10-9 lead following a layup by Taylor Clare 2:34 into the game. Fredonia then went on a 14-2 run for a 23-12 advantage. Six different players scored for the Devils over that span.

Cheatham nailed a three pointer just ahead of the halftime buzzer to send the Devils to the locker room with a 28-13 lead. Plattsburgh stalled offensively, hitting only six of its first 38 shots (15 percent), including missing its last 15 attempts of the half.

Fredonia upped its lead in the third quarter to 19 following a basket by Cheatham to make it 33-14 at the 6:38 mark. It was the biggest lead of the game.

Plattsburgh battled back in the fourth quarter. A pair of three pointers and a three-point play brought the Cardinals to within eight, 51-33. Bella DePasquale hit a three on consecutive possessions, and Moe Jones made a layup and the ensuing free throw with 3:55 left to play. Another layup by DePasquale made it a five point game.

Einink answered for the Devils with the game's next four points on a pair of layups. DePasquale nailed a three for the battling Cards to make it 55-49 with 2:32 to go, but they would get no closer.

Fredonia held a 67-48 advantage on the boards. Neither team shot particularly well from the floor with the quick pace and strong defense. The teams combined for over 100 missed shots.

For Plattsburgh (4-2, 1-1 SUNYAC), Frannie Merkle grabbed 13 boards. DePasquale finished with 17 points and Jones had 11.

The Devils continue SUNYAC play next weekend when they travel to Oswego and Cortland.