CORTLAND, NY – The Alfred University football team returned to Empire 8 action with a 65-12 loss to SUNY Cortland on Saturday.

"It was definitely a frustrating day for us in all three phases of the game," Head Coach Bob Rankl said. "I know that we have a good football team, and I believe in our coaches and our players but we did not perform at the level that we are expected to perform at today. At the end of the day, I have to do a better job of preparing our team. We have a strong core of leaders on this team and we will bounce back."

The Saxons defense stood tall to begin the game, as TJ Marsh (East Aurora, NY/East Aurora) forced a fumble in the early stages of the first quarter to give AU favorable field position. Alfred University was the first to get on the scoreboard following a 23-yard field goal from Dominic Bronco (Rochester, NY/Aquinas). The Red Dragons responded with a touchdown to take a 7-3 lead entering the second quarter. Cortland added 35 unanswered points in the second quarter to extend their advantage going into the break.

An interception from Thomas Welch (Avon, NY/Avon) in the third quarter set up another successful field goal from 43 yards away to cut into their deficit. Bronco had another field goal for AU later in the quarter, but Cortland answered with a touchdown of their own. In the fourth quarter, the Red Dragons relied on multiple scores to come away with the win.

Alfred University will next host Utica University next Saturday with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 PM. During halftime of the game, the Alfred University Softball and Men's Lacrosse teams will be hosting a 'Teddy Bear Toss' in which fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal and/or new toy in support of the Salvation Army of Hornell.