SPARKS, MD -- The Alfred University men's lacrosse team took part in their neutral spring break game at the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame against Nichols College in a 14-12 loss on Tuesday.

"We need to overcome the slow starts, but looking forward to playing at home," Head Coach Jason Lockner said. "Rhett Krieger (East Aurora, NY/East Aurora) played outstanding today with his hustle, face-offs and defense. Marcus Darminio (Marcellus, NY/Marcellus) stepped in at attack for us and played very well on offense. We have asked a lot of him on the offense and he did a great job. Brady McGowan (Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park) also played a very good game at defensive midfield. Strong effort, we just need to capitalize on more."

Alfred (2-3, 0-0 Empire 8) fell behind by three in the opening five minutes before roaring back with three straight goals of their own. Cole Loewke (Hilton, NY/Hilton) got the scoring started with a dish from Darminio. Brendan Riley (Fairport, NY/Fairport) followed suit and Michael Gruin (Hamburg, NY/Orchard Park) equalized with an assist from Sam Herle (Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park).

Loewke lead all Saxon scorers with six goals and two assists for eight points with 10 shots and nine on target. His 100th career goal came with 1:07 to go in the third quarter with Herle getting the assist to tie it up at nine. Darminio finished with a goal and three assists and Gruin had two goals in addition to an assist of his own. Riley finished up with a goal and assist. 

Drew Smith (Walworth, NY/Ruben A. Cirillo) and Darminio scored in the latter stages of the second quarter to even the score to 5-all heading into the intermission. A wild second half ensued with Sam Crosby (Auburn, NY/Auburn) scoring the Saxons' seventh goal to cut into a three-goal advantage built up by the Bison in the third quarter.

Loewke and Gruin chipped into Nichols' lead late in the fourth to make it a one-goal game. Despite tons of offensive opportunities and 45 shots, the Saxons couldn't find the twine and a Bison's goal with four minutes to go sealed the deal for the designated visitors.

A stretch of four straight games at home awaits for Alfred University with their home-opener taking place against Mount Union on Saturday at 1PM.