ALFRED, NY—The Alfred University men's lacrosse team (7-2, E8 1-1) rebounded in Empire 8 play, topping the Hartwick Hawks 11-5 in Yunevich Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
 
Junior John Winchell (Vestal, NY/Vestal) and sophomore Jake Lynch (Whitney Point, NY/Whitney Point) netted a hat trick each. Winchell also added three assists to his total in the game.  Junior Derek Bishopp (Livonia, NY/Livonia) and freshman Joe Fornataro (Rochester, NY/Greece Athena) scored twice in the game while junior Jimmy Pratti (Slatehill, NY/Minisink Valley) rounded out the scoring.
 
The opening quarter of the game showed two strong defenses with incredible goalie play anchoring each team.  The Saxons put five shots on goal in the quarter, but could not find the back of the net, ending the half tied at 0-0.
 
The scoring opened up in the second quarter with Hartwick taking the lead with 9:31 to go in the half.  However, Fornataro knotted the game up only minutes later, starting the AU barrage on the goal.  The Saxons scored three more goals before the teams went to their respective locker rooms, holding a 4-1 advantage.
 
Once again, the Hawks started the scoring in the second half, only to give the momentum back to the Saxons who scored three more goals in the third quarter compared to Hartwick's two. The scoreboard read 6-3 heading into the final quarter.
 
With 9:38 left in the game the Hawks were within striking distance only trailing 8-5 after two goals were scored by each team.  However, the Saxons did not allow another goal the remainder of the game and extended their lead by three more goals down the stretch to earn their first Empire 8 win of the 2016 season, 11-5.
 
In addition scoring his first goal of the 2016 campaign, Pratti won 10-of-19 (52.6%) faceoffs for the Saxons en route to leading AU with eight ground balls. Senior Max Wilson (Menlo, CA/Menlo-Atherton) collected five ground balls to accompany four caused turnovers. Junior Nathan Bellis (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) forced four turnovers in the game as well.
 
Time in goal was split between sophomore Chris Doktor (Irondquoit, NY/Eastride) and freshman Brandon Smith (Queens, NY/The Governor's Academy) with Doktor claiming 41 minutes in goal and the win. Both Doktor and Smith accumulated three saves.
 
The Saxons take to the road on Wednesday to take on Nazareth College in an Empire 8 matchup at 4PM.