UNION, NJ — A strong first-match effort fell just short, as SUNY New Paltz lost its women’s lacrosse opener, 14-9, to Kean University on Monday afternoon at Alumni Stadium.
Trailing 8-4 at the half, New Paltz rallied against the (1-3) Cougars, which had the advantage of being outside for three previous matches in their favor. New Paltz all-time leading scorer Katie Sharp had four of the Hawks’ five second-half goals, and six goals in the game, to raise her career total to 50 points.
Meanwhile, freshman goalkeeper Liz Clarke, a former All-New York State selection in field hockey at Rondout Valley High and the starting netminder in that sport this past fall for New Paltz, made 20 saves in her women’s lacrosse debut. The Stone Ridge native was asked by Hawk Coach Heather Mackay to learn this new sport when two-year starter Adrian Grasso was injured in the preseason. It is expected that Grasso will miss the entire season.
New Paltz next plays on Thursday, when it hosts Montclair State (3-1) for a 6 p.m. match at Kingston’s Dietz Stadium.
COLLEGIATE WOMEN’S LACROSSE
Kean 14, New Paltz 9
Scoring (Goals-Assists):
New Paltz – Katie Sharp 6-0, Megan Porter 2-0, Sam Quinn 1-0, Jessica Aiken 0-1.
Kean – Heather Martin 5-1, Azuree Schnur 4-0, Katie Baggett 3-1, Jen Yaiser 1-1, Megan Sworen 1-0.
Shots on Goal: New Paltz 22, Kean 31.
Draw Controls: New Paltz 7, Kean ???.
Ground Balls: New Paltz 34, Kean ???.
Saves: New Paltz (Liz Clarke) 20, Kean (Becky Buist) 9.
Team Records: New Paltz 0-1, Kean 1-3.
