SLIPPERY ROCK, PA -- The Alfred University men's rugby team opened up competition for its fall XVs season with a 62-5 loss to Slippery Rock University.

The Saxons fell in a hard-fought season-opener against the currently ranked fourth team in the country. It marks AU's lone non-conference match-up of the fall XVs season.

Alfred put points on the board thanks to a long punt by Jack Murphy (Bicester, United Kingdom/Blessed George Napier Catholic Secondary School and Sixth Form) set up Sekou Camara (Conakry, Guinea/ICSA) and Chevon Adriaans (Paramaribo, Suriname/SGS) to get the ball over the try line to open the second half.

The Saxons continued fighting with the highly-ranked Lions right to the end, but unfortunately couldn't keep up to open their season.

Alfred University will turn its attention to Lake Effect Conference play, starting once again on the road at Ithaca College on Saturday, September 5 at 4:00 p.m.