Owen VanWie, Brendan Halleran and Liam O'Connor each netted two goals on Saturday but it was not enough as host Alfred University topped SUNY Brockport, 8-7, in the first Golden Eagle action since the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 season just over one year ago. Six first half goals propelled the green and gold to a 6-4 lead, but the Saxons' defense stood strong in the final 30 minutes to earn the one goal victory.

Brockport's John Felice stopped five shots between the pipes for the Golden Eagles, while Liam O'Connor led the Brockport offense with two goals and one assist.  Brandon Sveda also chipped in with one goal and one assist for the visitors while Aidan Fitzgerald and Jahadi Prior each tallied four caused turnovers.  Michael Coletti added three caused turnovers and three ground balls.

Brockport jumped out to an early 2-1 lead with 6:58 to go in the first quarter of action behind goals from VanWie and Sveda. Alfred answered with two goals of their own, but the Golden Eagles were able to knot the score at 3-3 after 15 minutes of action when O'Connor registered his first goal of the season with 12 seconds to go in the first quarter. 

The green and gold dominated the second quarter by outscoring the home team 3-1 behind two goals from Halleran and one from VanWie. Jhovanny Olivares picked up his first assist of the season on Halleran's first goal of the game.  Halleran gave Brockport a boost headed into halftime when he found the back of the net with 26 seconds to go on the second quarter clock.  Brockport led 6-4 at the half. 

Alfred started the second half strong and registered two goals in the first 6:22 of the half to tie the score at 6-6.  Liam O'Connor gave the Golden Eagles the lead right back when he tallied his second goal of the day with 5:18 to go in the third. However, the stingy Saxons were able to net the final two goals of the contest, including the game-winner with 7:51 to go, to earn the non-conference victory.  Brockport's 10 fourth quarter shots were not enough as Alfred goalie Scott Kimiecik held the Golden Eagles off the scoreboard in the final 15 minutes. Kimiecik finished the day with 12 saves in net for the home team. 

Alfred went 17-of-19 in the face-off circle to control possession on the afternoon.  The Saxons also took advantage of 2-of-11 extra-man chances to earn the one goal victory. 

Max Riley added three caused turnovers while Chris Bock pitched in with two caused turnovers and one ground ball for the Golden Eagles. 

Brockport (0-1) returns to action on Friday when it travels to SUNY Cortland to open up SUNYAC Western Division play on the road at 4 p.m. Alfred improved its record to 2-0 on the year.