SPARKS, MD – The Alfred University men's lacrosse team made a comeback in the fourth quarter but fell short in its neutral contest against Wittenberg University, 12-11, on Tuesday.

Brendan Riley (Fairport, NY/Fairport) led with a career-high six points on a career-high three goals and three assists while picking up three ground balls. Cole Loewke (Hilton, NY/Hilton) was second in the scoring column with five points on four goals and one assist.

Quinn Sullivan (Elmira, NY/Elmira) collected eight saves for the Saxons. Hunter Cupp (Bath, NY/Haverling) won a season-high 16 faceoffs while notching nine ground balls.

"We dug ourselves a hole, but the guys never gave up," Head Coach Jason Lockner said. Proud of the team for staying in it. We had a shot to tie it in the last second but went wide. Hunter Cupp dominated the faceoff X to give us great opportunities. Brody Wolfe, Cole Loewke and Drew Smith played great."

Wittenberg University (2-2) took a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period. Alfred University (1-2) went on a 3-1 run to start the second. Loewke's back-to-back goals would give the Saxons their first lead of the game at the 4:51 mark, 4-3. The Tigers scored a minute later to tie the game at four-all going into halftime.

Alfred University struggled in the third period as it was outscored, 6-2. Goals by Riley and Marcus Darminio (Marcellus, NY/Marcellus) kept the score close with 5:41 left, 8-6. However, Wittenberg University registered back-to-back points in the final minute for the 10-6 advantage heading into the fourth.

After the Tigers notched the first goal of the fourth period, Riley and Drew Smith (Walworth, NY/Ruben A. Cirillo) each contributed a goal to cut the score within two, 11-8. Smith scored again at the 7:17 mark off the assist from Mike Halsey (Palmyra, NY/Palmyra-Macedon). Loewke contributed back-to-back goals down the stretch to make it a 12-11 game with under a minute left. Ian Marsh (Corning, NY/Corning-Painted Post) attempted a shot with just four seconds left to tie the game at the end of regulation, but it went wide and Wittenberg University held on for the win.

Wittenberg University outshot Alfred University, 47-29, with 20-17 between the pipes.

The Saxons return to Yunevich Stadium to host SUNY Morrisville on Saturday at 1:00 PM.