ALFRED, NY -- The Alfred University men's lacrosse team had five players selected to the All-Empire 8 Conference Teams on Wednesday morning.

"These young men are all deserving of the All-Conference honors. They have been great, steadfast, hard working student-athletes from Day One," Head Coach Jason Lockner said. "Proud of their accolades and efforts for the Men's Lacrosse program here at Alfred University. We will miss all of these guys."

Cole Loewke (Hilton, NY/Hilton) was named to the First Team for the first time in his career after being named to the third team last season. His senior year was a historic one, as he scored the most goals and points in a single game in both Alfred University and Empire 8 history with 11 goals and 15 points in his senior day game against SUNY Poly. 

In addition, he broke the AU school record for the most shots and the most shot on goals in a single season. In the end, he led the Saxons offense and finished with 66 goals and 34 assists with 166 shots, 112 shots on net, and 47 ground balls.

Three more members were honored as members of the Empire 8 Second Team, led by midfielder Brendan Riley (Fairport, NY, Fairport). This is his second All-Conference award after being named to the third team last season. He finished his season with 33 goals, 20 assists, and 105 shots with 69 shots on goal.

Defenseman Ben Cunningham (Dover, MD/The Gunston School) has been named to an All-Empire 8 team for the fourth year in a row, and the second time as part of the Second Team. His season saw him pick up 45 ground balls and cause 19 turnovers. In addition, he chipped in on offense with two assists.

The final Second Team honoree was Hunter Cupp (Bath, NY/Haverling), also the second time he has been named to the Second Team in his career. He too was named as an All-Empire 8 Team member for the fourth year in a row. Cupp's historic senior season saw him nationally honored as a USILA Division III Team of the Week player back on March 2.

This season, he broke or tied five school records which saw him claim the top spot for career ground balls and career face-off wins. On the road against Hartwick, he broke the AU record of the most face-off wins in a single game with 30, while tying the record for the most ground balls in a single game with 24. It helped him break the school record for the most ground balls in a single season. 

He wrapped up his senior season with 274 face-off wins while picking up 197 ground balls. In addition, he notched five goals and two assists throughout the season. His final three goals came on senior day against the Wildcats, marking a new career high for goals in a game. 

Finally, Brady McGowan (Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park) was named as part of the Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team. This team honors a student-athlete who has emerged as a leader not only on the field of play, but in the classroom and in the community. In addition, they "compete with honor and integrity" and have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportsmen.