After finishing its non-conference season with an enormous victory, The State University of New York at New Paltz women's lacrosse team is primed to continue its success into its first State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) game Saturday against SUNY Potsdam.
 
The game Tuesday against Eastern Connecticut State University marked the third consecutive win for SUNY New Paltz, which dominated the Warriors, 24-10. The Hawks' offense proved strong in the first half, scoring 13 goals and entering the second half with a four-point lead. SUNY New Paltz's defense stepped up in the second period to allow just one goal in the last 30 minutes of play.  While the Hawks were celebrating their lofty triumph, Potsdam was closing out its non-conference season with a loss. The Bears were narrowly defeated by Morrisville State Wednesday, 12-11, which lowered their overall record to 2-4, while SUNY New Paltz boasts a 4-2 record heading into the matchup. The only competitor the two teams have shared thus far in their seasons is Hartwick College. The Hawks won the game against the opposing Hawks in overtime, while the Bears suffered a 9-7 loss.
 
"[We have a] dedication to making our teammates better. We have a hunger to show how different we can be," said SUNY New Paltz coach Keith Detelj. "The team has an readiness to see how good can we get during conference play."
 
The Hawks defeated Potsdam the past two seasons and in both campaigns the Bears were the only SUNYAC team SUNY New Paltz registered a win against. The Hawks' 10-6 victory during the 2018 season was attributed to having the advantage on shots, 24-19, and dominating on the draw with the Hawks winning 15 draw controls in the game. SUNY New Paltz senior defensive midfielder Ashley Seiter led the team in goals (4), which was also a career high, while sophomore offensive midfielder Keydy Espinoza recorded eight draw controls, her highest amount in a single game.
 
SUNY New Paltz hopes to continue its winning streak over the Bears, but aim to surpass the success they have previously seen and build on its current successful run to start the year.
 
"Every game is important and we will play free, fast and hard to better our last performance," Detelj said.
 
SUNY New Paltz will take on SUNY Potsdam for their first SUNYAC game Saturday at 12 p.m.

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