BEL AIR, MD - The Alfred University men's lacrosse team wrapped up their Spring Break with a 6-5 win over Nichols College on Sunday. 

The Saxons (4-0, 0-0 Empire 8) limited Nichols to 0-for-7 in extra man opportunities as part of their win. 

Kevin Matson (Chenango Bridge, NY/Chenango Forks) led Alfred University with three goals and an assist. Cole Loewke (Hilton, NY/Hilton) finished the game with two goals. Brendan Riley (Fairport, NY/Fairport) added one goal across three shots for AU. 

It was a defensive battle today," Head Coach Jason Lockner said. "I thought both teams planned well and our defense was outstanding. Quinn Sullivan and Andy Davis made a lot of saves and Ben Cunningham, Mike DeSain and Josh Funk clamped down on their attack. Hunter Cupp was excellent at the faceoff X. Our team played hard and our defensive midfielders in Ashton Howlett, Max Freeman IV and Brendan O'Bryan led us to some transition opportunities."

Nichols limited Alfred University to just three shots in the opening quarter before taking a 2-0 lead into the second quarter. An assist from Matson to Loewke in the early stages of the second quarter put the Saxons on the scoreboard. Moments later, a pass from Owen Zimmerman (Reamstown, PA/Cocalico) to Matson during a man-up situation tied the game. Josh Funk (Newtown Square, PA/Maple Newtown) got involved with an assist to Loewke in the closing seconds of the first half to give the Saxons their first lead of the afternoon. 

Nichols quickly tied the game in the third quarter, but Riley found the back of the net for AU to take back the advantage. Nichols scored once more to equalize the game heading into the fourth quarter. Two consecutive goals from Matson in the fourth quarter gave the Saxons a 6-4 lead with just over six minutes remaining. Nichols scored once more to cut their deficit, but the defense for Alfred University stood tall to hold on for the win. 

Alfred University will next travel to face Oswego State next Saturday at 3:00 PM.