Box Score New Paltz, NY – Up against one of the best teams in the country, the State University of New York at New Paltz field hockey team narrowly lost a 2-1 match to No. 15 Kean University on Saturday afternoon.

The Cougars improve their undefeated record to 13-0, while the Hawks drop to 4-8.

"Kean University and New Paltz have been friendly rivals for the last several years," Cougars head coach Leslie LaFronz said. "I always expect a very competitive game, and I wasn't disappointed today. We scored early so we got a decent lead and they kept fighting. It was to the wire and a great game on both sides. We're lucky to come away with a victory."

Prior to the game, seniors Megan Gangewere, Hayley Kim and Justine O'Reilly were honored for their dedication and service to the team over the past four seasons.

Gangewere had a strong performance in the cage, as she notched 15 saves to bump her season total up to 141. Kim tallied three shots on the day, while O'Reilly recorded two.

Kean opened the scoring just more than three minutes into the contest on a goal from junior Krista LaMaina that was assisted by freshman Lia DiPiazza. LaMainia tallied her second goal of the game at the 8:25 mark off a helper from junior Teresa Carr to make it a 2-0 game.

SUNY New Paltz's defense held strong in the second half and didn't allow another goal by the Cougars. The Hawks created many scoring opportunities and were eventually awarded a penalty stroke in the 49^th minute. Junior Paige Gladstone took the shot, which bounced off of Kean's goalkeeper to cut the deficit in half. The goal marks the first of Gladstone's collegiate career.

Despite applying continuous pressure on the Cougars' defense all half, SUNY New Paltz was unable to come up with another goal.

Kean out-shot the Hawks 23-7 and held a slim 12-10 advantage in penalty corners. Freshman Carly Croteau registered one shot, along with the shots from Kim, O'Reilly and Gladstone.

The Hawks will play their fourth-consecutive non conference game when they host No. 12 Skidmore College on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. on the North Turf Field. This will be the team's fourth match against a nationally ranked team this season.