Meet the 2024 team lead by veteran coach Jason Lockner
From Alfred University Athletics, photo by Chris Boswell
MORRISVILLE, NY – The Alfred University men’s lacrosse team began their spring season with a 14-9 win over SUNY Morrisville on Friday from Drake Field.
The Saxons (1-0, 0-0 Empire 8) finished the game with 53 shots as part of their winning efforts against the Mustangs (0-1, 0-0 NAC).
Owen Zimmerman (Reamstown, PA/Cocalico) enjoyed his debut with Alfred University, recording 10 points from six goals and four assists. Cole Loewke (Hilton, NY/Hilton) finished the game with four goals to go with an assist. Kevin Matson (Chenango Bridge, NY/Chenango Forks) scored twice for AU. Hunter Cupp (Bath, NY/Haverling) picked up 11 ground balls and was 19-of-25 in faceoff attempts.
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“We shook off the rust from the first half and played a much better second half,” Head Coach Jason Lockner said. “The first game of the season is usually the most interesting, because you don’t know what the opponent has, so you just try to get your team settled in. Hunter was great at the faceoff X and Owen had a day today. He plays hard all over the field. Our defensive mids played well in the second half after some adjustments and Mike DeSain played great one-on-one defensive on a very good attackman. We’re looking forward to our next game.”
The Mustangs scored the first two goals of the opening quarter, but a man-up goal from Zimmerman put the Saxons on the scoreboard. Moments later, a shot from Zimmerman equalized the game for AU. A goal from Morrisville was quickly answered by another man-up goal from Zimmerman, marking his third goal of the afternoon. The Saxons took their first lead of the game after a pass from Josh Hauman (Webster, NY/Webster Schroeder) to Loewke reached the back of the net. The Mustangs tied the game in the closing minutes of the first quarter, as both sides went into the second quarter with a 4-4 score. The lone goal in the second quarter came from Matson, with Zimmerman being credited with the assist. Morrisville responded with a goal of their own, but their side scored across the final eight minutes of the first half to result in a 5-5 tie at halftime.
Morrisville took a brief lead in the second half, but two more goals from Zimmerman gave the advantage back to Alfred University. A man-up goal from Loewke in the final minute gave the Saxons a 9-6 lead going into the final quarter.
Justin Mosher (Hilton, NY/Hilton) tallied his first goal of the spring season to begin the fourth quarter. An assist from Hauman to Brendan Riley (Fairport, NY/Fairport) extended the lead for AU. A goal from the Mustangs was answered by back-to-back goals from Zimmerman and Loewke with just over six minutes remaining. Morrisville scored two more goals, but another score from Loewke was enough to close out the game with the victory.
Alfred University will next host Misericordia University on Saturday in their home-opener at 1:00 PM.
2024 Alfred University Men’s Lacrosse Season Preview
ALFRED, NY – Following their third straight appearance in the Empire 8 postseason, the Alfred University men’s lacrosse team is eager to return to action. The Saxons will welcome a variety of veteran and first-year talent this spring.
Alfred University will be led by Head Coach Jason Lockner, who is entering his 19th season with the program.
“Our success comes down to the players we have on the field and the time they put in,” Lockner said. “Our staff has made it a priority to recruit the right players to Alfred University. We had a great group last year and we’re excited for what’s ahead of us.”
The Saxons finished last season with a 11-5 overall record, including a 6-1 record in conference competition. AU won each of their final three games of the regular season to clinch the No. 2 seed in the Empire 8 standings.
“We’re striving to get better each day,” Lockner said. “We are taking note of what we did well last season and what we need to improve upon.”
Kevin Matson (Chenango Bridge, NY/Chenango Forks) is among the seniors up front for Alfred University. Last season, Matson led the conference with 58 goals, which marked third in program history for a single season. He added 13 assists for the Saxons for a team-high of 70 points.
“It’s nice to return an All-American talent like Kevin,” Lockner said. “The expectations are high for him coming into this spring and we’re excited to see what he brings.”
Entering the spring season, Justin Mosher (Hilton, NY/Hilton) has been named as one of four team captains. Last spring, Mosher recorded 19 goals and 17 assists for a total of 36 points. In each of the last three seasons, Mosher has earned All-Conference accolades.
Both Mosher and Dawson Felenchak (Horseheads, NY/Horseheads) will be entering their graduate seasons with Alfred University. Felenchak appeared in 14 games for the Saxons last season, totaling 15 goals and 13 assists while picking up 32 ground balls.
“We’re fortunate to have both Justin and Dawson coming back to Alfred University for their graduate seasons,” Lockner said. “They both bring experience and high IQ to our roster and will be two of the hardest-working players we have.”
In the midfield, Josh Hauman (Webster, NY/Webster Schroeder) is among the returners and will be a team captain for the Saxons. In each of the last two seasons, Hauman has recorded 30 or more total points for AU. In 2023, he was listed as a member of the All-Empire 8 Third Team.
“Josh has been an experienced veteran since joining us as a first-year student-athlete,” Lockner said. “He makes us better and more experienced. We’re looking forward to another successful season with him on our roster.”
Faceoff specialist Hunter Cupp (Bath, NY/Haverling) is coming off a historic first-year season with AU, winning 248-of-386 attempts. Cupp additionally picked up 157 ground balls for the Saxons, which ranks second in program history for a single season.
On the defensive end, both Benjamin Cunningham (Dover, MD/The Gunston School) and Ashton Howlett (Brockport, NY/Brockport) have been named as team captains. As a first-year, Cunningham was named to the All-Empire 8 First Team. Howlett is a four-year member of the men’s lacrosse program, recording 40 career games played.
“Having Benjamin and Ashton on our defense makes us well-balanced on both sides of the field,” Lockner said. “Ben has proven himself as an All-Conference selection and a proven leader. They both bring attributes that make us better.”
The Saxons will additionally feature four goalies on their roster.
“Our four goalies have been battling hard,” Lockner said. “Quinn and Andy in particular have been competing right away. Scott was phenomenal and there are big shoes to fill, but we’re confident in the core we have.”
Alfred University will begin their 2024 season on the road against SUNY Morrisville on Friday, February 23. Empire 8 competition will begin versus Russell Sage College on March 30. The Empire 8 Championship Tournament will run from May 1-4.
“Our goals including winning the Conference Championship and advancing to the NCAA Tournament,” Lockner said. “We mention our goals to our players often so they’re focused on what’s ahead of us.”
