SUNY New Paltz Gives Kulesa First Win

NEW PALTZ, NY — On the shoulders of sophomore forward Ashley Smith (Selden, NY) the SUNY New Paltz field Hockey team earned, head coach, Jessica Kulesa her first career win. The Hawks netted three goals in the first half to defeat Vassar College, 3-0.

Emerging as an offensive weapon Smith tallied her first goal ten minutes into the opening half. Smith, however, was not finished scoring two more goals over the next 15 minutes to put SUNY New Paltz (1-4) up 3-0 at halftime. The three-goal evening recorded by Smith ties a individual record for most goals in a single game. All three of Smith’s tallies were registered on penalty corners. Hawk midfielders Kelly Proper (Red Hook, NY), Justine Fairclough (Glen Cove, NY) and Kaitlin Ruggiero (Carmel, NY) were all credited with an assist.

Junior goalkeeper Nicole Kovac (Manlius, NY) earned her first shutout of 2005, collecting five saves and the win. Vassar College (2-2) sophomore goalkeeper Ellie Pomerantz (Hartsdale, NY) made four saves in the loss.

The SUNY New Paltz field hockey team will host, conference rival, Brockport at Dietz Stadium (Kingston, NY) this Saturday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m.