Box Score

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – For the second time in program history and for the first time since 2004, the State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer team (5-6-1, 3-2-0 SUNYAC) defeated SUNY Geneseo (6-3-1, 2-2-1 SUNYAC), topping the Blue Knights by a count of 3-1 Saturday afternoon on the Turf Field in State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) action.

Despite playing Geneseo close in recent years, the Hawks had been unable to pull out a victory. In Saturday's meeting between the two sides, however, New Paltz showed superior finishing ability, making the most of its scoring chances.

The game had a different feel to it, as it took place on the Turf Field in lieu of the Hawks' home soccer venue, Alumni Field, because of wet field conditions. As was the case in yesterday's tilt against The College at Brockport, the blue and orange made the most of the faster pace of the ball on the slick turf.

Sophomore forward Shelby Kondelka (Bloomingburg, N.Y.) put New Paltz on the board in the 32nd minute, scoring from around 16 yards out after sophomore defender Erin Tornatore (Glen Cove, N.Y.) fed her the ball in the center of the field. Just minutes later at the 36:51 mark, sophomore midfielder Sarah DeMarzo (Mahopac, N.Y.) blasted a direct kick into the left-hand side of the net from well outside of the 18-yard box.

At the half, New Paltz held a 6-4 edge in shots, while Geneseo took two corner kicks to the Hawks' two.

Geneseo had a bevy of opportunities to score in the second half, but the quick pace of the ball on the turf foiled many well-placed crossing passes in the box. Bella Masotti placed a shot on frame in the 54th minute, while Ashley Keogh forced sophomore goalkeeper Stephanie Vega (Oceanside, N.Y.) to make a save when she ripped an attempt from the top of the box in the 60th minute.

With less than two minutes remaining, Bre Glynn struck a ball that hit the crossbar, bounced down onto Vega's back and landed past the goal line to cut the Hawks' advantage in half. Kondelka, however, responded quickly, scoring 21 seconds later at 88:39 after beating a Blue Knight defender one-on-one.

On the afternoon, New Paltz held a 13-12 margin in shots, while Geneseo had six corner-kick opportunities to the Hawks' two.

Vega made a game-high four stops in net for New Paltz, while Katie Clerkin turned aside two shots in between the pipes for Geneseo.

Through Saturday's contests, the Hawks rank second in the SUNYAC standings with nine points. SUNY Oneonta leads the conference with 10 points, but the race remains wide open, as Buffalo State looms in fourth place with seven points despite playing in just three league matches thus far.

New Paltz has now won four straight and moves to 4-1 at home this season.

The Hawks return to action on Friday, Oct. 8, when they take on SUNY Potsdam at 4 p.m. on Alumni Field.