ALFRED, NY – A quick start for #3 Nazareth College led to a 20-5 win over the Alfred University men's lacrosse team during the Empire 8 Tournament Semifinals on Wednesday afternoon from Yunevich Stadium.
The Saxons (11-5, 6-1 Empire 8) faced 63 shots, while the Golden Flyers (10-8, 5-2 Empire 8) turned the ball over 13 times.
Alfred University was led by the efforts of
Kevin Matson (Chenango Bridge, NY/Chenango Forks), who finished the game with three goals across four shots on goal.
Paul Forte (Rochester, NY/Greece Athena) dished two assists.
Connor DiDomineck (Bath, NY/Haverling) and
Josh Hauman (Webster, NY/Webster Schroeder) each added one goal for AU.
"We did not shoot well today," Head Coach
Jason Lockner said. "We hit a lot of pipes and the score got away from us. I'll miss all the seniors that are leaving us. They are some of the best student-athletes I've had the chance to work with. Connor, Ashton, Hunter and Andrew played well today."
The Saxons jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter thanks to a pass from Forte to Matson. The Golden Flyers responded with two goals of their own to take their first lead of the afternoon. DiDomienck found the back of the net to equalize the score less than a minute later. Nazareth scored 10 straight goals before carrying a 12-2 lead going into halftime. Matson and Hauman combined for three goals in the second half, but Nazareth's scoring efforts were enough to extend the lead and secure their spot in the Empire 8 Tournament Finals.
This season was filled with historic accomplishments for the men's lacrosse program.
Matson finished the season with 57 goals, which marks the most goals dating back to the 1995 season and the third-highest total in a single season in program history.
Hunter Cupp (Bath, NY/Haverling) ended the season with a standout first-year campaign, picking up 157 ground balls, which marks the most for a first-year player and the second-highest total in a single season in program history.
Scott Kimiecik (Randolph, NJ/Randolph) wrapped up a stellar collegiate season with Alfred University, finishing with exactly 500 career saves. He becomes just the second player in program history with 500 or more saves across their career.
