Utica, N.Y. - The SUNY Poly men's lacrosse team season ended in defeat, after falling to the Alfred University Saxons by a score of 20-3. Cooper Fitzgerald and Griffin LaFleur were the goal scorers for the Wildcats. The Wildcats end their season with a record of 5-10. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

Alfred came out of the gate firing, scoring three goals in quick succession thanks to Kevin Matson, Sam Herle, and Sam Crosby. Hunter Cupp won key faceoffs that helped the Saxons build momentum right away. SUNY Poly responded with tough defensive pressure and a handful of forced turnovers, including strong play from Liam Podszebka and James O'Neil. Goalie Joseph VanZandt made multiple saves to keep the Wildcats in the fight early on, while the offense got close with a couple of near-miss shots—including one off the post by Ryan Carroll.

SUNY Poly broke through in the second quarter with a goal from Griffin LaFleur, cutting into the Alfred lead. The Wildcats found better rhythm in transition, with Zachary Christian and Ryan Carroll pushing the tempo and earning quality looks. Still, Alfred answered with a powerful scoring run, including goals from Brendan Riley (2), Kevin Matson, Keagan Hoesterey, and Sam Herle. Goalie Joseph VanZandt remained a bright spot for SUNY Poly, tallying several point-blank saves to slow down the Saxons' offensive barrage. However, the Saxons would lead 9-1 heading into halftime. 

Alfred continued to push offensively in the third, putting together another six-goal quarter. SUNY Poly, however, didn't back down—Cooper Fitzgerald fired in his first of two goals, assisted by Ian Short, and the Wildcats played with physicality, drawing man-up chances and ringing the post twice. Despite the lopsided score, the Wildcats' effort and energy remained high throughout the quarter.

The Wildcats attempted to get things going in the final frame, but Alfred would keep finding ways to score. The Wildcats would go on to lose by a score of 20-3.