ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University football team fought hard across all four quarters, but began their fall season with a 31-9 loss to Hobart College on Friday evening from Yunevich Stadium.
 
The Saxons (0-1, 0-0 Empire 8) finished the game with 22 first down conversions, while the Statesmen (1-0, 0-0 Liberty League) were limited to 114 yards through the passing game.
 
The offense was led by Jacob Kelsey (Hilton, NY/Hilton), who totaled a team-high 89 receiving yards across eight receptions. Roque Santiago (Canisteo, NY/Canisteo-Greenwood) finished the game with a game-high 14 tackles to go with an interception. Joe Copp (Minoa, NY/East Syracuse-Minoa) added 12 tackles and two pass breakups for AU.
 
"I'm proud of our team for playing hard throughout the season-opener," Head Coach Bob Rankl said. "We need to move forward and execute better on both sides of the ball. We're looking forward to getting back to practice and preparing for next weekend."
 
A 10-play drive from Hobart in the first quarter led to a 36-yard field goal to put Alfred University into an early deficit. The Saxons held the Statesmen scoreless in their following possession, but a rushing touchdown for Hobart in the second quarter had AU behind 10-0 before going into the break. The defense for Hobart found the end zone in the opening stages of the third quarter following a fumble recovery to further extend their lead. The Statesmen scored once more before the Saxons responded with a 10-play drive that was capped off by a 10-yard rushing touchdown from Chris Kelly (Lake Ronkonkoma, NY/Sachem North). The defense for Alfred University made a quick stop moments later thanks to an interception from Santiago, which led to a 32-yard field goal from Lucas Freeland (Buffalo, NY/West Seneca West) to cut the deficit entering the fourth quarter. One last touchdown from Hobart in the final quarter was enough to separate a chance at a comeback for AU.  
 
Alfred University will next travel to face Juniata College next Saturday at 11:00 AM.