New Paltz women’s basketball pressure defense helps cruise to non-conference win

NEW PALTZ, NY- The SUNY New Paltz women’s basketball team hosted SUNY IT Tuesday night at the Hawk Center and cruised to a victory, 73-60.

The Hawks jumped out to a 14-4 lead in the first five minutes of the game, but the Wildcats responded with a 10-3 run of their own to cut the lead to three. Kristin Sitek (Ellington, VT/Ellington) led the Hawks with nine points and five rebounds and finished the game with 11 points and six rebounds. Artie Williams (Newburgh, NY/Newburgh Free Academy) chipped in with eight points. Chelsea Clarke (Ithaca, NY/Lansing) added seven points to give the Hawks a 43-28 half-time advantage.

The Wildcats were led by Tiffany Holthouse with 14 points and seven rebounds and Caitlin Cottell added six points.

In the second half, the Hawks pressure defense and shooting was just too much for the Wildcats. The Hawks led by as much as 21 points and never let the led fall below double digits. The Hawks forced 25 turnovers, 12 which were steals.

Maggie Farrell (Hillsdale, NY/Immaculate) led the Hawks on the night with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. Carly Minehan (Albany, NY/Albany) chipped in with 12 points and five rebounds. Nicole Sarcone (Staten Island, NY/Notre Dame Academy) led the Hawks with five assists. Abbey DeRossi (Albany, NY/Albany) had a solid game with seven points, four rebounds and four assists.

The Hawks improve to 3-1 on the season and return to the court Monday December 1 at 7 p.m. against New York University in the Hawk Center.

SUNY IT falls to 2-2 on the season.