ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's lacrosse team began Empire 8 competition with a 16-8 win over Russell Sage College on Saturday from Yunevich Stadium.

The Saxons (7-2, 1-0 Empire 8) held the Gators to just two goals across the second half as part of their efforts.

Owen Zimmerman (Reamstown, PA/Cocalico) led Alfred University with five goals and two assists. Cole Loewke (Hilton, NY/Hilton) finished the game with five points from three goals and two assists. Justin Mosher (Hilton, NY/Hilton) added two goals and two assists for AU.

"Our players did a nice job picking up their first conference win," Head Coach Jason Lockner said. "Andy Davis did a great job shutting the door in the second half. Hunter Cupp did a great job at the face off and Mike DeSain was outstanding on defense."

Alfred University got off to an early lead in the first quarter thanks to goals from Hunter Cupp (Bath, NY/Haverling) and Zimmerman. Consecutive goals from Russell Sage quickly tied the game. The Saxons relied on a goal from Zimmerman, but the Gators responded with three straight goals to take a 5-3 lead into the second quarter. An assist from Brendan Riley (Fairport, NY/Fairport) to Kevin Matson (Chenango Bridge, NY/Chenango Forks) sparked the offense for AU in the second quarter. A goal from Loewke tied the game once again for the Saxons. Goals from Loewke, Matson and Zimmerman extended the lead for AU. The Gators scored once more, but Josh Hauman (Webster, NY/Webster Schroeder) and Riley each scored to give Alfred University a 10-6 lead going into halftime.

Mosher was the first to score for the Saxons to begin the third quarter. Loewke, Mosher and Zimmerman each scored on the offensive end, while the defense held the Gators without a goal to close out the third quarter with a 14-6 advantage. Russell Sage scored twice in the final quarter, but goals from Hauman and Zimmerman were enough to secure the win for Alfred University.

Alfred University will next travel to face Utica University next Saturday at 1:00 PM.