Box Score

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – The No. 17 State University of New York at New Paltz field hockey team relied on a first-half goal from sophomore forward Sam Eberle (Hamburg, N.Y./Hamburg) and strong play from senior goalkeeper Alayna Wageman (Getzville, N.Y./Williamsville North) to prevail, 1-0, over SUNY Geneseo in a State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) game Saturday at the North Turf Field.
 
Battling cold temperatures, wind and drizzle throughout the contest, the two teams relied on their goalkeepers to wage a defensive battle in what was a rematch of last year's SUNYAC title game. Wageman posted 10 stops in the shutout victory, while Eberle's goal was the lone blemish for Geneseo's senior netminder Dayna Mercer in an eight-save effort.
 
New Paltz rises to 9-2 overall (3-1 SUNYAC) with the win and next hosts the Stevens Institute of Technology on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 4 p.m. Geneseo drops to 4-6 overall (2-1 SUNYAC) with the loss and visits Nazareth College next on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
 
The Hawks held the momentum early on, with New Paltz firing off several shots and gaining numerous penalty corners. Eberle capitalized on that momentum in the 24th minute, cashing in on a pass from sophomore midfielder Hayley Kim (West Hurley, N.Y./Onteora) that came from the left side of the field.
 
In the second half, however, Geneseo had numerous opportunities to bury the equalizer, but Wageman stood tall, making difficult saves to keep the Knights off the board.
 
New Paltz finished with a 17-14 advantage in shots, but Geneseo held a 9-7 edge in penalty corners.