Field Hockey Falls To Drew

MADISON, NJ — Freshman goalkeeper Liz Clarke made 29 saves to lead a strong New Paltz effort against Drew University’s well-established squad, as the Hawks lost 5-1 in their third-ever field hockey match on Tuesday afternoon.

New Paltz (0-3) had its first-ever lead on Jodi Novatka’s goal at 8:45 into the contest off a rare double assist situation created by Meredith Herfel and Allison Taub.

But Kristen Scarpa had the first of her two goals just 3:09 later, and her second goal at the 16:13 mark put the (3-2) Rangers ahead to stay. Teammate Casey Rogers contributed two goals and an assist to the Drew offensive attack.

Meanwhile, Clarke, an All-State player at Rondout Valley last fall, was brilliant in goal, keeping the young Hawks within range of Drew, which has had a field hockey program since the late 1960s.

Another milestone comes on Friday for New Paltz, when it hosts Geneseo in its first-ever home match at 3 p.m. at Kingston’s Dietz Stadium.

COLLEGIATE FIELD HOCKEY

Drew 5, New Paltz 1

First Half: NP – Jodi Novatka (Meredith Herfel/Allison Taub) 8:45; D – Kristen Scarpa (Casey Rogers) 11:54; D — Kristen Scarpa (–) 16:13; D – Casey Rogers (Leigh Ann Isaac) 20:27.

Second Half: D – Casey Rogers (Jennifer Cullen) 43:51; D — Emily Hoeflinger (penalty stroke) 53:10.

Shots on Goal: NP 11, D 35.

Penalty Corners: NP 2, D 27.

Goalie Saves: NP (Liz Clarke) 29, D (Season Stuffle: 4 saves, Jessica Kates: 4 saves) 8.

Team Records: New Paltz 0-3, Drew 3-2.