UTICA, NY – The Alfred University men's tennis team opened Empire 8 competition with a 9-0 loss to Utica University on Sunday afternoon from the Todd & Jen Hutton Sports and Recreation Center.

"We've said all year that non-conference play is a warmup for Empire 8 competition," Head Coach Jordan Crouch said. "Now that it's here, we have the chance to hone our skills and compete against quality teams every match."

Logan Cross (Olean, NY/Olean) and David Lingenfelter (Erie, PA/Harborcreek) recorded two points during their doubles set from No. 1 for the Saxons (1-7, 0-1 Empire 8). In singles action, Mike Roberts (Alfred Station, NY/Alfred Almond) competed well from No. 3, as he won his first set in 6-2 fashion before coming up short in the second and third sets.

"Consistency and confidence are two points we are looking to improve upon," Crouch said. "When we are on the court and playing confident, we can compete with anyone. We just have to work on bringing that to every match."

Alfred University will have the chance to get back in the win column when they host Nazareth College on Saturday at 1:00 PM.