Box Score Elmira, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz women's lacrosse team kicked off its 2018 season on an impressive note after earning a commanding, 22-11, victory over hosting Elmira College Saturday.
 
"The team has been working very hard over the past five weeks and I am glad they were rewarded with a good team effort and result," said Hawks coach Keith Detelj. "The team did a solid job of putting the ball in the offense's hands to be creative and capitalize on their chances."
 
It took SUNY New Paltz (1-0)  just 40 seconds to put away its first goal of the 2018 season, as Ashley Seiter found the back of the net on a free position to give the Hawks the early lead. Tara Bovich then scored back-to-back goals to put them ahead by three with 25 minutes left in the half.
 
Kyra McDonald scored the Soaring Eagles' first goal with 25 minutes, 4 seconds remaining to go in the half, but SUNY New Paltz responded with six unanswered goals by Kayla Messena, Keydy Espinoza, Bovich, Rachael Purtell and Seiter in a six-minute stretch to balloon its cushion to eight.
 
Elmira College (0-1) worked itself back to get within five midway through the first half, but Purtell quickly put an end to the Soaring Eagles' run and netted her second goal of the day after capitalizing on a man-up advantage for the Hawks following a yellow card by Elmira College. Bovich then put away one more for SUNY New Paltz before the half to give her team an 11-5 advantage at the break.
 
Like at the start of the first half, the Hawks didn't waste any time finding the back of the cage. Purtell won possession on the ensuing draw and earned a free position, which she buried just 15 seconds into the second half.
 
The Hawks kept the Soaring Eagles at arms length the rest of the way. A three-goal run ensued after Purtell's opening half goal and Elmira College got as close as seven several times down the stretch, but could not work out of the deficit.
 
Bovich led the way offensively for SUNY New Paltz, finishing all eight of her shots taken. Purtell followed with four goals and an assist, while also collecting five draw controls. Seiter, Keydy Espinoza, Kayla Massena and Taylor Russell each recorded two goals apiece, while Nicole Sheintul finished with five saves in net.
 
As a team the Hawks were a successful 3-for-4 on free position opportunities, out-shot the Soaring Eagles, 42-18,  overall, also won the turnover battle, 18-25, and held the advantage on the circle, collecting 21 draw controls to just 14 for Elmira College.

Although the commanding victory gives SUNY New Paltz confidence to start the year, Detelj reiterated the work that needs to continue in order to be successful. 
 
"The season is young and we know that even with a first win like this there are situations to learn from and we are looking forward to getting better," he said.
 
The Hawks are back in action Wednesday when they go on the road to face Manhattanville College for a 4 p.m. game. Be sure to follow @nphawks on Twitter and @newpaltzhawks on Instagram and Facebook for updates, highlights, videos, photos and more.