BROCKPORT, NY -- The Alfred University men's rugby team wrapped up an impressive first 15s season with an away loss to SUNY Brockport 29-21. 

"Tough loss, but this was an amazing season for the team," Head Coach Dale Russell said. "We went from not even having enough guys to play last fall to making it to the conference championship. We are a young team and the future is bright for AU rugby. Go Fred!"

After falling behind early, the Saxons responded with authority in the form of Ayomideji Israel-Akinbo (Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa/St. Andrews College) to tie it up late in the first half, barrelling into the try zone. Only down by a couple of scores, they kept on battling all afternoon.

Eddie Hart IV (Wilton, NY/Saratoga Springs) and Phillip Peterson III (Auburn, NY/Auburn) responded in kind in the second half to match Brockport's scoring. Zachary Cuddy (Whitman, MA/South Shore Vocational Technical) went a perfect three-for-three in conversions. Alfred University pushed the envelope in the closing minutes, but were unable to find the try zone again in a hard-fought, tough loss.

AU ends with a record of 7-2, with the only two losses of the year coming on the road against Brockport. This loss was in the LERC Conference Championship match, ending a magical fall season. In just the team's first fall season, numerous records were both set and broken and more is sure to come their way.

While offseason for the 15s season is here, the squad will train over the winter in preparation of the 7s season next spring.