Box Score Potsdam, NY — Backed by an efficient first-half shooting performance and its dominance on the boards, the State University of New York at New Paltz women's basketball team broke a two-game losing skid Friday, with a commanding, 74-43, win over SUNY Potsdam (2-22, 0-17).
 
The Hawks (15-9 overall, 11-6 SUNYAC) made their first three baskets and scored eight straight points that quickly helped cushion their lead, which they never relinquished at any point in the game.
 
SUNY New Paltz built on its advantage in the second quarter, ending the half of an 8-1 run to create a 20-point lead at the break.
 
Lindsay Bettke and Rachel Simon were the catalysts for the Hawks in the first 20 minutes. The two junior guards combined for 28 points and shot an astounding 66.7 percent from the field and 75 percent from 3-point range.
 
SUNY New Paltz then took care of business on the defensive end in the second half to secure the lop-sided victory.
 
After giving up 17 points in the second quarter, and 25 in the half, the Hawks allowed just 18 points in the last 20 minutes, while keeping the Bears to just 27.3 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from 3-point range.
 
Overall, SUNY New Paltz won the turnover battle (21-15), and also held the advantage on the glass (50-23). Philesha Teape, Demi Herasme, Madison Van Pelt and Taylor Howell had their way on the boards for the Hawks, combining for 29 rebounds on the night.
 
"We put a lot of emphasis on rebounding after what happened in our last game, so it was good to see that improve," said Hawks coach Jamie Seward. "I also thought Philesha's energy and effort early in the game really gave us a jump start."
 
Bettke led her team offensively after finishing with 19 points in just 22 minutes. Simon wasn't too far behind with 18, while freshman Amanda Skopetos followed with 11 points and five rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench. Fellow freshman Herasme and sophomore Van Pelt helped out with nine points, seven rebounds and eight points, six rebounds, respectively.
 
"It was good to see Lindsay aggressively attacking the basket again, and the freshmen did some nice things as well," Seward said. "And Maddie did a good job of confidently and aggressively looking to score around the basket."
 
SUNY New Paltz concludes its regular season Saturday against Plattsburgh State at 1 p.m. A win and a SUNY Cortland loss against The College at Brockport could give the Hawks a No. 3 seed in the SUNYAC playoffs, which is slated to start Tuesday.

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