Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's lacrosse team honored its senior class on Saturday afternoon but fell to Alfred by a 14–1 final on Senior Day. Despite an early breakthrough from the Wildcats, Alfred capitalized on a series of player-up opportunities and controlled possession throughout to pull away. With the loss, SUNY Poly ends the season with a 3-12 record.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Alfred came out with strong energy in the opening quarter, controlling the draw and applying early offensive pressure. However, it was SUNY Poly that struck first, as Brinley Ronan finished off a feed from Madyn LaFleur for the game's opening goal. The momentum quickly shifted, as multiple cards against the Wildcats led to several man-up chances for Alfred. The Saxons took full advantage, scoring four straight goals—including a pair of free-position tallies from Megan Rinker—to take a 4–1 lead at the end of the first.
The second quarter saw Alfred continue to dictate play on both ends of the field. SUNY Poly generated a handful of opportunities, including shots from Katelynn Truax and Alyssa Hawkins, but were unable to convert against goalkeeper Molly Howlett. Alfred extended its lead with a five-goal run, highlighted by goals from Rinker and Sydney Angelo, building a commanding 9–1 advantage heading into halftime.
In the third, Alfred maintained control, continuing to pressure defensively and limit SUNY Poly's possessions. The Wildcats created chances, including a free-position attempt that rang off the post, but could not find the back of the net. Alfred added three more goals in the period, pushing the margin to 12–1 entering the final quarter.
The fourth quarter featured a more defensive stretch, with both teams trading possessions and clearing attempts. SUNY Poly saw late shot opportunities from Alexa Ulanday and Truax, but Howlett remained steady in goal. Alfred added two final goals in the closing minutes to secure the 14–1 victory.
Despite the scoreline, Rebecca Thomas made several key saves in goal for the Wildcats, helping to limit additional scoring opportunities throughout the contest.
