ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's lacrosse team improved to a perfect 5-0 on the season with a 22-3 win over visiting Houghton College in the Saxons' Empire 8 Conference opener Tuesday afternoon at Yunevich Stadium.
 
Sophomore attackman John Winchell (Vestal, NY/Vestal) led AU with a pair of goals and eight assists, while freshman attackman Jake Lynch (Whitney Point, NY/Whitney Point) had six goals and an assist.
 
AU allowed Houghton (1-4, 0-2 Empire 8) to score the first goal, then reeled off nine straight to take a 9-1 lead after one period. The Saxons, who led 15-2 at the half and 21-2 after three periods, outshot the visiting Highlanders 50-15 and held a 39-15 advantage in groundballs.
 
Eleven different players scored for AU. Sophomore midfielder Derek Bishopp (Livonia, NY/Livonia) had four goals and an assist and senior attackman Nicolas Wood (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua) chipped in with two goals and a pair of assists.
 
Sophomore midfielder Jimmy Pratti (Minisink, NY/Minisink Valley) won 20 of 24 face-offs and picked up a game-high 10 groundballs. Bishopp and Winchell (three caused turnovers) each scooped three groundballs. Sophomore defender Chris Deisenroth (Webster, NY/Webster Thomas) had five groundballs and caused a turnover.
 
Freshman goalie Drew Gardner (Whitney Point, NY/Whitney Point) earned his fifth win of the year, making two saves in 30 minutes of action. Four backups split time in net over the final two periods, combining for one save.
 
AU plays next on Wednesday, March 18, at 5 p.m. at home against non-league opponent SUNY-IT