NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz field hockey team faced off against conference rival Oneonta today at Dietz Stadium. Although the Hawks(1-6, 0-2) scored first they could not withstand the offensive attack of the Red Dragons (5-2, 1-1), losing by a score of 2-1.
Just past the 40 second mark, sophomore forward Ashley Smith(Selden, NY) got SUNY New Paltz on the board scoring on a pass from Kelly Proper(Red Hook, NY). The Red Dragons retaliated when senior forward Rachel Decker (Sherrill, NY) laced a goal off a pass from Kate Yarmowich (Warrensburg, NY) with 28 minutes remaining in the first half. The Hawk’s offense dominated the first half tallying 11 shots to the Red Dragons 5. The second half of the game was well matched until senior midfielder Kerry Birnstill (Baldwin, NY) crossed the ball to an open Musu Jackson-Buckner (Buffalo, NY) who netted the game winner for the Red Dragons. Oneonta’s offense controlled the second half, allowing the Hawks only five scoring attempts.
Leading the defensive efforts for the Hawks was junior goalkeeper Nicole Kovac (Manlius, NY) who registered eleven saves in the loss. Senior goalkeeper Lindsey Hendricks (Warrensburg, NY) collected nine saves for the Red Dragons.
