The State University of New York at New Paltz men's lacrosse team has one more game left on its 2021 schedule, facing SUNY Oneonta at home on the South Turf Field Saturday.

The 2021 season, the second year of the program's inception, has been turbulent dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and the obstacles it brings. The team has yet to play a full season (only playing four games in 2020 and going on game No. 7 Saturday), but the growth has shown in coach Dwayne Stewart's young program.
"We're just hoping to continue learning with everything that we've been doing this year," said SUNY New Paltz sophomore midfielder Aidan Gregory. "Our main goal is just to build chemistry so we can continue into the fall."
 

The Hawks (0-6 overall) had a full week to prepare for the Red Dragons Friday, as their last game came April 23 against visiting SUNY Plattsburgh. It was the first time all season where SUNY New Paltz had nearly its full starting offense, which produced seven goals against the Cardinals. The Hawks overcame a slow start and were out possessed in the faceoff circle, 20-5 in the game, but improved in the middle of the field with less costly turnovers. Ultimately, they couldn't rally from an eight-goal first-half deficit and took their sixth loss of the season, 15-7.

"Biggest takeaway this year I'd say was just getting used to the level of play within the SUNYAC," Gregory said. "Last year we had four out of league games and we hadn't seen the SUNYAC competition. I think that would be the biggest takeaway, just how eye-opening the competition was within the SUNYAC."
SUNY New Paltz faced Oneonta for the first time in program history April 9 with the Red Dragons coming away with a 12-3 victory. Again, the Hawks had to climb out of a large first-half deficit as the hosts put away seven first quarter goals to jump out in front, 7-1. Freshman Ryan Steinhart came up with 11 second half saves to help his team stay within distance, but the offense mustered 12 shots in the last 30 minutes, scoring two goals.

Sophomore attackman Ryan Scully has paced the offense despite playing in just three games. He has totaled a team-most eight goals to go along with three assists. Sophomore attackman Thomas Armetta registered four goals and five assists in just two games played, while freshman attackman John Reese follows Scully in goals, burying six to go along with his one assist on the year. Reese is just one of three players (along with freshman defenseman Zachary Leung and Tim Russell) start all six games for SUNY New Paltz this season.

The good news for the Hawks is they are bringing back the bulk of their roster and graduate just one player from their 2021 team in midfielder Greg Gurello. Losing Gurello will be a big loss in leadership however, as the lone senior has provided a much-needed veteran voice with the majority of the roster underclassmen.
"I think it will hurt us a little bit as Greg is leaving," Gregory said. "He is definitely one of our leaders, but I'm glad we're keeping most of our guys. It will help build our chemistry and hopefully give us some wins next year."

SUNY New Paltz is set to face Oneonta Friday in its season finale at 4 p.m. on the South Turf Field.



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