Potsdam, NY — Saturday marked the first conference match of the season for the State University of New York at New Paltz women's lacrosse team, which resulted in a confidence inspiring success; the Hawks defeated SUNY Potsdam, 12-9. 

SUNY New Paltz defeated the Bears in the previous two seasons and aimed to maintain their dominance, a feat they tackled easily. The win is the fourth consecutive victory for the Hawks this season, elevating their record, 5-2 overall and 1-0 SUNYAC. 

The game began with a scramble for the ball and it was evident the teams were evenly matched. Potsdam was the first to secure a goal, but SUNY New Paltz was quick to react. A ground ball picked up by sophomore goalkeeper Haley Timarky was passed up the field to senior offensive midfielder Rachael Purtell, who assisted in the first Hawks' goal, made by sophomore attacker Tara Bovich. The two teams continued for fight for the advantage, and four minutes passed on the clock before the next goal was made: sophomore attacker Amy Hofer sunk the ball into the back of the Bears' net following two consecutive attempts made by Purtell and senior defensive midfielder Ashley Seiter. 

A ground ball scooped by junior defensive midfielder Jahna Beiling led to another goal by Bovich, and was shortly followed by SUNY New Paltz's fourth goal made by freshman offensive midfielder Maddy Carullo in a man-up play after a yellow card was called on a Potsdam player, the first of four they'd gather throughout the game. The Bears found their bearings at the midpoint of the first period and scored two consecutive goals in an attempt to even the score, but their attempts were feeble as the Hawks held them off. The duo of senior attacker Taylor Russell and freshman attacker Katie Zito scored another point, leading SUNY New Paltz into a 5-3 advantage into halftime. 

Potsdam made it obvious from the get-go that they would not go down without a fight, and proved it further by scoring first in the second period. The Hawks retaliated by scoring two goals in about a minute, first by Bovich assisted by Zito, and then by Hofer after senior defensive midfielder Sarah Raynock obtained a draw control off the reset. 

SUNY New Paltz was awarded the opportunity to score once again after another yellow card was called on another Bears player; in a man-up play, Hofer scored on an assist from junior attacker Jennifer O'Leary. Junior attacker Emily Puciloski scored the Hawks' ninth goal from a free position shot, and was followed by two consecutive goals from Zito. Potsdam struggled to catch up, and for a moment threatened to after gaining three points in six minutes. During the last three minutes of the game, Raynock gained another draw control and the ball found its way to Bovich, who assisted O'Leary in making the final goal of the game. The Bears were desperate to reach a stalemate, but SUNY New Paltz's defensive proved too strong. 

The Hawks out-shone Potsdam in all aspect of the game. They out-shot their opponent 45-20, 28 of which were on goal. SUNY New paltz gained 13 draw controls, five of which belonged to Hofer and four to Raynock. The Hawks also led in ground balls acquired, 27-21. Timarky boasted eight saves, which matches her season and career high that she reached at the game against Stockton University.

SUNY New Paltz will host its second SUNYAC game against Plattsburgh State on Saturday at 12 p.m. on the North Turf.