SUNY New Paltz Field Hockey Drops Season Opener

UNION, NJ — The SUNY New Paltz field hockey team lost their season opener this evening to Kean University. With 12 minutes remaining in the game Kean University’s Vicki Egerer (Washington, NJ) capitalized on a SUNY New Paltz turnover to give the Cougars a 2-1 victory.

The Hawk’s goal came during a first-half scramble, in which Cougar goalkeeper Concetta Valerio (Norristown, PA) blocked an initial shot by sophomore defender Justine Fairclough (Glen Cove, NY), but failed to reach junior forward, Kelly Proper (Red Hook, NY), before she sent the rebound to the back of the cage, giving SUNY New Paltz (0-1) a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Kean University (1-0) managed to tie the affair early in the second-half when senior Cherie McNellis (Magnolia, NJ) buried a pass from Allison Green (Glendora, NJ) to the back of the goal only 1:36 into the second half.

Valerio totaled seven saves on the evening, while Hawk’s junior goalkeeper Nicole Kovac (Manlius, NY) made six saves in the loss.

The Hawks will play their home opener this Saturday, September 3 at Dietz Stadium in Kingston, NY against Hartwick.