Coming off of its second win of the season, the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz women's lacrosse team (2-1) is ready to make its mark on the field again, this time against Stockton University (2-0). 
 
Since they began their 2020 season journey, the Hawks have shown growth and improvement in their game play as a result of the hard work they have put in at practice and in competition. SUNY New Paltz has several players who contribute to the success of the team including leading scorer, junior attacker Amy Hofer (12 goals, 3 assists), sophomore offensive midfielder Maddy Carullo (7 goals, 3 assists) and 6 additional players who have found the scoreboard. 
 
Last season, the Hawks fell to Stockton by a large margin of 15-4. In the early minutes of the game, SUNY New Paltz was able to keep a 1-1 tie which gave them hope in the competition yet, the 6 goal lead that concluded the first half were ultimately what the Hawks were unable to recover from in the second. 
 
Since last year, the Ospreys have lost seniors Melanie Patterson and Gaby Ojeda who led their team not only against SUNY New Paltz, but during the entire season. Returning though are veterans that finished the 2019 season as leaders for Stockton including sophomore midfielder Michelle Pascrell (leading scorer in 2019 with 51 goals), and sophomore attacker Casey Shutz (finished 2019 with 28 goals and 26 assists). 
 
Though the Ospreys have returning talent that is projected to challenge the Hawks, SUNY New Paltz is prepared to answer back and right some mistakes that occurred in the past. Reflecting on last season's game, junior defender Ashley Bartolone said, "Last season's game was a tough one because I think we failed to work as a team that game, we were very individual and they were able to take advantage of that." 
 
Working together as a team is something the Hawks have been addressing throughout this season, and it is an aspect of their play that has improved since they began their 2020 campaign. This time around against Stockton, SUNY New Paltz plans to read the Ospreys' plays and shut them down. 
 
"What I remember them doing well is cutting from up top and being strong righty dodgers but this year our defense has done an excellent job of working together, being able to close down on cutters really quickly and cause turnovers." Bartolone explains, "As a whole we have grown and are much stronger this season with harder and more accurate shots, staying disciplined throughout the entire game." 
 
Though the 2019 season had its challenges, the Hawks made history earning the most overall and conference wins in program history and earned a spot in conference playoffs for the first time ever. With many of its returning players and young assets, SUNY New Paltz hopes to go further, continuously improve their game, and get stronger with each new challenge that arises. 
 
The Hawks face their next challenge against Stockton University Tuesday, at 4 p.m. 

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