NIAGARA FALLS, NY -- The Alfred University men's rugby team competed at Niagara University on Friday evening, receiving a technical forfeit as a result while recording a 33-15 loss on the scoreboard.

The Saxons (0-3, 0-3 LERC) scored two tries while a borrowed player from University of Buffalo scored once. Edward Hart IV (Wilton, NY/Saratoga Springs) scored a try in each of the halves including a breakout try immediately followed the UB try, pumping up the entire Alfred/Buffalo sideline, including Graduate Assistant Coach, Cullen Mahoney and Athletic Trainer, Jenn DeVeglio. The combined efforts of Saxons players and Bulls players made the match a back-and-forth struggle for both teams as the first half ended with a Niagara lead of 14-5.

"It was a great night of rugby for Alfred! The team had huge improvements from two weeks ago and are looking to build on that growth as we prepare for Buffalo State," Head Coach Dale Russell said.

Hector De La Rosa (Williamson, NY/Sodus) was a standout on the defensive side of the ball, making multiple big tackles, both in open field and through a group of players to initiate the ruck. Nathan Towne (Ellenville, NY/Ellenville Jr/Sr), Gabe Simone (Acton, NY/Landmark) and Chevon Adriaans (Paramaribo, Suriname/SGS) also stood out on the defensive side of play with big hits that prevented breakout runs from Niagara.

Ehab AlQtam (Malah, Yemen/Newcomb Central) had multiple strong pushes on attack for the Saxons, chugging along to drag multiple Purple Eagle players forward before downing the ball for the ruck.

The Saxons will next host Buffalo State College on Sunday, October 20 at 11:00am.