New Paltz, NY -- The State University of New York at New Paltz women's lacrosse is a force to reckoned with after securing its sixth consecutive win after a victory over Fredonia State, 24-7 Saturday. The whopping 17-point difference marks the third State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) win to make an undefeated season thus far in conference, while also giving the Hawks the most SUNYAC victories in program history and matching a team best in wins.

The victory marked SUNY New Paltz's first over Fredonia, as it has slowly closed the scoring gap in the most recent years. The Hawks fell to the Blue Devils, 15-4 and 15-8 in the 2016 and 2017 seasons, respectively, and narrowly lost last season, 16-15. 

"We really looking to share the ball and the team did a great job of setting up the person next to them," said SUNY New Paltz coach Keith Detelj.

Sophomore attacker Tara Bovich was the first to score in the game, slipping the ball into the back of the net off a feed from freshman attacker Katie Zito within the first 30 seconds of game play. Bovich made five more goals before the end of the game, and Zito made two of her own. Sophomore attacker Amy Hofer matched Bovich's number of goals, and junior attacker Jennifer O'Leary, senior attacker Taylor Russell, sophomore offensive midfielder Keydy Espinoza (2), senior defensive midfielder Ashley Seiter (2), and freshman defender Vivianna Scotti all registered points.

The Hawks dominated the game in all aspects. They out-shot Fredonia 37-14 and scooped up 29 ground balls, compared to Fredonia's six. SUNY New Paltz registered 22 caused turnovers, while Fredonia only made 16.

The game was highlighted by Espinoza's incredible 12 draw controls of the Hawks' total 21, a career high. She also led the SUNY New Paltz in ground balls, finding five.

"Our draw team did fantastic job of owning the circle," said Detelj. "Our defense held two more halves of five goals or less. Another good team win to send us into next week."

Fredonia State made three consecutive goals during the second period, but there was only five minutes in the game and the Hawks were confident the win belonged to them. SUNY New Paltz refused to allow further goals to penetrate its defense, and the offense took the ball back into Fredonia's net for two more goals before the end of the game.

Sophomore goalkeeper Haley Timarky acted as a brick wall, enjoying three saves during her 60 minutes of play and only allowing four goals into the net.

"We want to have teams adjust to us as much as we can. It is always 0-0 when it starts and we are looking to to get prepared and be the best we can be by the ending whistle for that day," said Detelj.

The Hawks look forward to continuing their streak Wednesday when they travel to to take on Oneonta at 4 p.m. To stay up to date with everything #NPHawks be sure to follow us on Twitter at @nphawks, Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to our Youtube channel, New Paltz Hawks.