After falling short of a victory in their season opener against Utica College, The State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz women's lacrosse team is set to get back on the North Turf Field Wednesday for a match-up against St. Joseph's Long Island. 
 
Though the result of the game was not what the Hawks were hoping for, the season opener against the Pioneers showed their strengths and weaknesses. Offensively, they capitalized on opportunities on cage, especially junior attacker Amy Hofer who led her team in goals (3), assists (1), and free position shots (1-3). Defensively, SUNY New Paltz denied opportunities for Utica by causing a combined 29 turnovers. Junior goalie Haley Timarky additionally denied 10 shots against the Pioneers. Yet, despite their success the Hawks were unable to come out with a victory and lost, 14-7 against Utica. 
 
Following the loss, SUNY New Paltz was left unsatisfied and eager to get back on the field. Though offensively and defensively the Hawks showed strength in certain areas, there were other areas coach Keith Detelj knew needed attention. Going into practices this week, Detelj had every intention of working on areas that struggled in competition and was certain his team would improve moving forward into their next contest. 
SUNY New Paltz will put its training to the test next against the Golden Eagles of St. Joseph's Long Island, a team whom the Hawks have never faced before. The Golden Eagles are part of the Skyline Conference and are 0-1 this season after falling to FDU-Florham in their season opener.
 
Similar to SUNY New Paltz, St. Joseph's L.I. showed strength across the board in their first contest. As a team, multiple players led the Golden Eagles in goals, ground balls, and saves yet, St. Joseph's L.I. was unable to come back from a lead created early on in the second half and fell to their competitor 17-7. 
 
Despite the losses, it is still early in the season for both teams. Going into the next game, it is expected that both the Hawks and Golden Eagles will battle to see who comes out on top with their first victory of the season.
 
SUNY New Paltz will take on St. Joseph's Long Island Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. on the North Turf Field. 
 
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