Box Score

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – Despite holding a commanding 31-8 margin in shots, the State University of New York at New Paltz field hockey team eked out a 3-2 victory over Union (N.Y.) College on Wednesday afternoon in non-conference action at the Turf Field.

New Paltz broke a 1-all tie by scoring twice in a span of less than two minutes early in the second half. Union drew within one with a goal with less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation, and the Hawks held on to claim the win.

The Hawks move to 8-6 overall and next host the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 1 p.m. The Dutchwomen fall to 4-10 overall and visit Vassar College next on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Junior midfielder/defender Deirdre O'Neill (New City, N.Y./Clarkstown South) scored just 2:45 into the contest, knocking a pass from senior forward Danielle Conklin (Suffern, N.Y./Suffern) into the right-hand corner of the goal. Union responded less than a minute later, though, with Ali Flake directing a Hannah Najar insertion from a penalty corner into the back of the cage. That score would stand up heading into halftime despite the fact that the Hawks held a 15-4 edge in shots in the first half.

Sophomore defender Jessica Caruana (Holbrook, N.Y./Sachem East) gave New Paltz the lead once again at 46:41, blasting a penalty stroke into the left-hand side of the cage, and Conklin tacked on an insurance score at 48:25, knocking in a feed from sophomore forward Dani Ackerman (Nesconset, N.Y./Smithtown East) that came from the left. Union cut into the New Paltz advantage at 60:37, as Nicole Merigliano scored off a sweeping shot from the left-hand side of the circle. The Dutchwomen were unable to net the equalizer down the stretch, and the Hawks held on for the victory.

Sophomore goalkeeper Alayna Wageman (Getzville, N.Y./Williamsville North) earned the win for New Paltz, making two saves in 63:12 of action, while Molly McCune was handed the loss despite a 14-save effort. Senior goalkeeper Antonija Pjetri (Suffern, N.Y./Suffern) drew the start in the cage for the Hawks but did not earn a decision, stopping one shot and allowing one goal.

In addition to its large advantage in shots, New Paltz owned a 12-3 edge in penalty corners.