Score: Alfred University 14, Elmira College 2
Records: Alfred (5-3, 1-0 E8), Elmira (0-4, 0-1 E8)
Location: Elmira, N.Y. -- Notre Dame High School
 
ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The Elmira College men's lacrosse team was unable to capitalize off a hot start in the first half of EC's 14-2 setback in its Empire 8 Conference-opener against Alfred University today at Notre Dame High School.

In the opening quarter of the day, Elmira took the first lead with 4:50 left in the period on a tally from Kevin DiMagno '20. DiMagno controlled the ball on the left side Alfred's goal, when he dogged a defender to score an unassisted goal, his second of the season.  

This lead held for the entire first quarter, thanks in large part to an impressive performance from Jacob Mattice '21. Elmira's starting goalie made six saves to keep the E8's second-ranked offense scoreless for the first 15 minutes. Mattice's stellar performance continued for the duration of the opening half, as he made 10 saves in the stanza, while allowing just three Saxons' goals.

The contest started to get out of the Soaring Eagles' hands at the start of the third period, as Elmira's two-goal deficit, 3-1, ballooned to eight, 9-1, heading into the fourth quarter. EC broke the scoring drought with a Nevin Olney '18 tally to open the fourth, but it proved to not be enough, as the Saxons maintained their advantage with solid defensive play to end the game. With the 14-2 setback, EC begins conference play with a 0-1 record.  

The shot differential between the Soaring Eagles and Saxons was the biggest factor in today's contest. Alfred recorded a whopping 32 shots on goal in the bout, compared to EC's 11. Despite the strong play by Elmira's goaltenders, this constant pressure proved to be too much. One of Elmira's strongest performances was at the faceoff circle, as the Soaring Eagles tied the Saxons with 10 faceoff wins apiece.
 
News and Notes

• Elmira's record falls to 0-4 overall and to 0-1 in conference play after Saturday's setback to Alfred.
• EC has scored exactly two goals in all four games this season.
• On the other hand, the Soaring Eagles have allowed double-digit goals in all but one game this year.
• After beginning the year with 10 faceoff wins in its first two games combined, Elmira has won 10 draws in both of its last two games.
• The Saxons forced EC to commit a season-high 33 turnovers.
• Olney leads the Soaring Eagles with three goals this year, as he has scored in all but one game.
• DiMagno led EC with five faceoff wins, while freshman James Mayer '20 was not far behind with four, his first four of the season.
• After not finding the back of the net once during his freshman season, DiMagno has already scored twice as a sophomore.
• Junior Cam Brickey '19 scooped up a career-best 10 groundballs this afternoon.
• Brickey is now tied for first in the league in caused turnovers per game (3.3) after causing four today.
• Austin Spiridilozzi '20 also forced four turnovers, which is a career high for the sophomore.
• With 17 saves against Alfred, Mattice has made a combined 37 stops over his last two contests and he now leads the E8 in saves per game (13.3).

 
Up Next
Elmira returns to non-conference play for a midweek bout against Kean University on Wednesday, March 28, in Union, New Jersey. The Soaring Eagles and Cougars are scheduled to battle at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening.