ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's lacrosse team narrowly fell to Hartwick College, 12-11, on Saturday at Yunevich Stadium.

Cole Loewke (Hilton, NY/Hilton) reached the 100th career point mark after leading the Saxons with five points on three goals and two assists. Keagan Hoesterey (Palmyra, NY/Palmyra-Macedon) notched four points on two goals and two assists. Kevin Matson (Chenango Bridge, NY/Chenango Forks) finished with three points on two goals and one assist while notching five ground balls. Sam Crosby (Auburn, NY/Auburn) and Brendan Riley (Fairport, NY/Fairport) posted two goals apiece. Riley also added four ground balls to his stat line. 

Quinn Sullivan (Elmira, NY/Elmira) had his eighth career double-digit performance in saves, finishing with 13 stops in net while picking up four ground balls. Hunter Cupp (Bath, NY/Haverling) collected a season-high 21 faceoff wins and matched his career-high 17 ground balls. 

"That was a hard fought game that didn't go our way in the end," Head Coach Jason Lockner said. "Proud of the effort the guys gave to fight back with two shots at the end to potentially tie the game. Great to see Cole Loewke get his 100^th point. Keagan Hoesterey played a good game today on offense. Shane Cubala did a great job on the ground balls with Hunter Cupp. Sam Crosby showed up and played a great game at the midfield. Had some nice shots and points.  We are still fighting for playoff contention."

Riley scored back-to-back goals that got the Saxons (4-6, 2-3 Empire 8) off to a 2-0 start. The Hawks (5-5, 3-2 Empire 8) answered with four straight goals to get in front with a 4-2 advantage at the end of the first period.

Alfred University began the second period with a goal from Hoesterey off the assist from Loewke at the 12:56 mark. The Saxons were held scoreless for the next 12 minutes before Loewke broke the drought at 23 seconds for his 100th career point while making it a 5-4 game going into halftime. 

The Hawks dominated the third period by outscoring the home team, 5-1, to build on their lead by five at 4:11. Crosby's last-minute goal ignited a 5-1 run that stretched into the first minutes of the fourth. Loewke tallied back-to-back goals to bring Alfred University within one at 8:08, 11-10. 

Down to the final five minutes, Hartwick College flipped the ball into the net to go up by two. The Saxons responded at the 32-second mark when Loewke found Matson at the net to bring the score back within one. Loewke and Hoesterey each attempted to tie the game for a chance to force overtime. However, the last shot by Alfred University was saved by the Hartwick College goalie at the last second.

The Hawks edged the Saxons in shots, 37-36, with 25-24 in between the pipes. Alfred University picked up a third-season best 52 ground balls. 

The Saxons travel to Nazareth University for an E8 road matchup on Wednesday, April 16 at 4:00 PM.