MORRISVILLE, NY – The Alfred University men's lacrosse team began their spring season with a 14-9 win over SUNY Morrisville on Friday from Drake Field.

The Saxons (1-0, 0-0 Empire 8) finished the game with 53 shots as part of their winning efforts against the Mustangs (0-1, 0-0 NAC).

Owen Zimmerman (Reamstown, PA/Cocalico) enjoyed his debut with Alfred University, recording 10 points from six goals and four assists. Cole Loewke (Hilton, NY/Hilton) finished the game with four goals to go with an assist. Kevin Matson (Chenango Bridge, NY/Chenango Forks) scored twice for AU. Hunter Cupp (Bath, NY/Haverling) picked up 11 ground balls and was 19-of-25 in faceoff attempts.
.
"We shook off the rust from the first half and played a much better second half," Head Coach Jason Lockner said. "The first game of the season is usually the most interesting, because you don't know what the opponent has, so you just try to get your team settled in. Hunter was great at the faceoff X and Owen had a day today. He plays hard all over the field. Our defensive mids played well in the second half after some adjustments and Mike DeSain played great one-on-one defensive on a very good attackman. We're looking forward to our next game."

The Mustangs scored the first two goals of the opening quarter, but a man-up goal from Zimmerman put the Saxons on the scoreboard. Moments later, a shot from Zimmerman equalized the game for AU. A goal from Morrisville was quickly answered by another man-up goal from Zimmerman, marking his third goal of the afternoon. The Saxons took their first lead of the game after a pass from Josh Hauman (Webster, NY/Webster Schroeder) to Loewke reached the back of the net. The Mustangs tied the game in the closing minutes of the first quarter, as both sides went into the second quarter with a 4-4 score. The lone goal in the second quarter came from Matson, with Zimmerman being credited with the assist. Morrisville responded with a goal of their own, but their side scored across the final eight minutes of the first half to result in a 5-5 tie at halftime.

Morrisville took a brief lead in the second half, but two more goals from Zimmerman gave the advantage back to Alfred University. A man-up goal from Loewke in the final minute gave the Saxons a 9-6 lead going into the final quarter.

Justin Mosher (Hilton, NY/Hilton) tallied his first goal of the spring season to begin the fourth quarter. An assist from Hauman to Brendan Riley (Fairport, NY/Fairport) extended the lead for AU. A goal from the Mustangs was answered by back-to-back goals from Zimmerman and Loewke with just over six minutes remaining. Morrisville scored two more goals, but another score from Loewke was enough to close out the game with the victory.

Alfred University will next host Misericordia University on Saturday in their home-opener at 1:00 PM.