Box Score New Paltz, NY — Despite Farmingdale State College getting on the board first Wednesday, the State University of New York at New Paltz women's lacrosse team proved they were the superior squad as the Hawks responded with a 4-0 run, which propelled a 17-7 win.
 
SUNY New Paltz fell to the Rams, 13-7, the last time they met in 2017. The Hawks were eager to demonstrate their improvement from the last two years, especially after a tough loss to Stockton University Monday, 15-4. The motivation proved successful, as they elevated their overall season record to an even 2-2.
 
"Coming into this game, we kind of just needed a confidence boost off of Monday's loss," said SUNY New Paltz junior attacker Jennifer O'Leary. "We kind of just went in and we wanted to come in holding each other accountable and committing to what we're doing and, you know, having each other's backs through it all."

Farmingdale (0-4 overall) entered the game playing an aggressive offense, to which the Hawks immediately recognized and matched. O'Leary scored her team's first goal of the game just seconds after the Rams scored theirs. The rest of the first period was spent in a tight struggle for control of the ball. SUNY New Paltz maintained a lead throughout the first half, but Farmingdale crept closely behind and threatened a draw.
 
It was clear the Hawks were more eager for a win after they scored three consecutive goals in just one minute. The points earned by freshman attack Katie Zito, sophomore attack Tara Bovich and senior attack Taylor Russell set the tone for the rest of the game.
 
During the 12th minute, senior offensive midfielder Rachael Purtell garnered her first of three draw controls, which led to an eventual goal by Bovich. The duo was back shortly after Purtell made a wide shot on goal that resulted in free position goal by Bovich. The rest of the period was spent in a goal-for-goal struggle, which SUNY New Paltz consistently led by three points. The game went into halftime with a score of 9-6.
 
"Coming into the second half up a few goals, we kind of had that confidence and we did not want to let them catch up, so it was like 'How many can we go up?'" said O'Leary. "It was just being calm and picking the best option to goal."

The Hawks had guided the first half, but dominated the second. The Rams' offense withered as the game wore on, while SUNY New Paltz strengthened. Most of the period was spent on Farmingdale's defensive half of the field. The Rams' defense remained somewhat strong and stopped more shots than they had previously, but the Hawks continued to find opportunities in front of the cage.
 
SUNY New Paltz's eight goals from the second period were a result of its refusal to let up on Farmingdale's net. The Hawks made 21 of their 38 shots on goal during the last 30 minutes of the game by constantly driving the ball towards a victory.
 
Amy Hofer sent her first shot of the half successfully into the back of the Rams' net after an assist from Bovich. Hofer scored two more by the end of the game, both of which were characterized by her lack of hesitation to shoot, barely letting the ball rest in her stick before hurtling it back out.
 
SUNY New Paltz junior attacker Emily Puciloski enjoyed her first goal of the season during the game's three-quarter mark. Puciloski charged the net, driving her attempt past the goalkeeper for her team's 14th goal after a caused turnover by O'Leary.
 
Farmingdale was never given the opportunity to retaliate. Its lone goal from the second period came in the 13th minute, and all other attempts were thwarted. Sophomore goalkeeper Haley Timarky made four saves in her 60 minutes of gametime for the Hawks. The Rams made 22 shots throughout the match, 11 of which were on goal, but only seven were successful.
 
"Our team did a very good job reflecting and learning quickly," said SUNY New Paltz coach Keith Detelj. "I see a mentality to succeed and bounce back so that lost is not something that defines us for the rest of the season. As we are closer to the SUNYAC games starting we are looking to continue to develop and we are excited for whatever challenge comes our way."

SUNY New Paltz will play their third match of the week Saturday against Manhattanville College Saturday on the North Turf at 11 am.

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