Alfred, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly men's lacrosse team delivered a dominant all-around performance Saturday, rolling past Alfred State College by a final score of 19–5 behind explosive scoring runs, strong faceoff play, and steady goalkeeping. The win starts the Wildcats season off with a record of 1-0.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Alfred State controlled the opening faceoff and applied early pressure, but goalkeeper Tyler Baisley made several key saves to keep the game scoreless through the opening minutes. The Wildcats broke through at the 7:25 mark when Ryan Carroll finished a feed from Tanner Defren for the first goal of the contest, sparking a momentum shift. SUNY Poly added to its lead with tallies from Aiden Caron and Casey Ryan, though Alfred State briefly answered with two goals to make it 3–2. The Wildcats responded emphatically in the closing minutes of the quarter, as Kai Hew, Liam Podszebka, and Ryan all scored during a late surge that sent SUNY Poly into the second period ahead 6–2.
The visitors opened the second quarter with a pair of goals to trim the deficit to 6–4, but SUNY Poly quickly regained control. Carroll found the net again off a pass from Hew, and Luke Taylor added another goal later in the frame as the Wildcats steadied themselves. Baisley continued to anchor the defense with timely saves, while SUNY Poly's transition game and clearing efficiency limited Alfred State's opportunities. The Wildcats took an 8–4 advantage into halftime.
Coming out of the break, SUNY Poly seized full command. Taylor struck early in the third quarter, followed by a Cooper Fitzgerald goal set up by Mitchell Taylor. The Wildcats dominated possession and offensive pressure, with Ian Short, Casey Ryan, and Carroll all scoring during a decisive stretch that pushed the lead to 13–4 by the end of the period. SUNY Poly's defense remained aggressive and disciplined, forcing turnovers and quickly turning stops into scoring chances.
Alfred State managed a goal early in the fourth, but the Wildcats answered immediately as Drew Rudd converted a pass from Short. From there, SUNY Poly put the game out of reach. Carroll added another goal, Taylor scored while man-down, Fitzgerald netted his second of the day, and Hew capped the afternoon with back-to-back tallies in the final minutes. Goalkeeper Mac Fitzgerald entered in relief and recorded multiple saves to preserve the commanding margin, while the defense held firm through the closing possessions to secure the 19-5 victory.
