Box Score Oswego, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz women's basketball team collected its third-straight victory Tuesday night, going on the road and defeating Oswego State, 72-51.
 
SUNY New Paltz (7-4 overall, 3-1 SUNYAC) pressured the Lakers (1-11, 0-5) early and never let them get comfortable throughout the game. And although Oswego held the advantage on the glass (49-35), the Hawks dominated the turnover battle. They forced 29 turnovers, while only having six of their own, which proved as the difference in the game. Rachel Simon, Lindsay Bettke and Marion Dietz were the catalyst on the defensive end, as they combined for 13 of their team's 18 steals in the game.
 
"We thought we could force them into some turnovers and that we needed to because they have some kids who are tough to deal with in the paint, which they were," SUNY New Paltz coach Jamie Seward said. "They really beat us up in the post and on the glass and outscored us 30-16 in the paint and killed us on the glass too."
 
It was an explosive offensive first quarter for both teams with the Hawks pulling ahead slightly, 23-19. They settled in defensively in the second quarter, however, and limited Oswego to just four made baskets with 10 turnovers in the period, which allowed SUNY New Paltz to open up the game.
 
Bettke was the catalyst offensively, scoring 15 of her team-high 20 points in the first half, including 12 points in the second quarter. She helped SUNY New Paltz end the half on a 16-5 run to build a 43-28 cushion for her team.
 
"Biggest thing in the second quarter was that we strung some stops together and that allowed us to open up a bit," Seward said. "Unfortunately, we fouled too much in the second half and that prevented us from pulling away."
 
The Hawks never relinquished their double-digit cushion at any point in the second half and led by as many as 26 down the stretch in the fourth quarter followed by a made trey from Nicole Ziogas with about less two minutes remaining.
 
Bettke and Simon led the way for SUNY New Paltz, finishing with 20 and 18 points, respectively. Both had productive shooting nights, each connecting on 6-for-15 from the field. Bettke also added three rebounds, two assists and four steals, while Simon totaled six rebounds, four assists and five steals on the night.
 
"We know they are too good to keep down for long, so it was only a matter of time before they broke out," Seward said of Bettke and Simon. "I still think Rachel is due to really break out shooting the ball, but she did a nice job attacking the basket when her shots weren't falling.  And Lindsay came out aggressive right from the tip and when she does that, we are a different team to defend. Once they start working together a little bit more consistently and making things easier for one another, we will be very difficult to defend."
 
The Hawks will look to extend their winning streak Friday and Saturday when they continue into conference play against The College at Brockport and reigning State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) champions, SUNY Geneseo. SUNY New Paltz is set to take on the Golden Eagles and Knights in the Hawk Center Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m., respectively.

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