Potsdam, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz went on the road for a SUNYAC East matchup against SUNY Potsdam Monday. After a tight 30 minutes, the Bears controlled the second half with a hot start to the third period and earned the win over the Hawks, 15-8.
 
"As the game pushed forward, closer to the end of the game our lack of game experience, pressure lacrosse showed its hand," said SUNY New Paltz coach Dwayne Stewart. "Whichever team started the half strong was going to be the team who would win the second half. Potsdam did a great job coming out with composure and we did not."
 
After falling behind by two, SUNY New Paltz (0-3 overall, 0-2 SUNYAC) worked its way back to tie the game following goals by Ryan Scully and Ryan Kaelin, with the latter taking advantage of a man-up situation for the Hawks. The Bears (2-2, 1-1) capitalized of the ensuing possession following a faceoff violation and went down the field to re-take the lead at 3-2. Scully scored, once again assisted by Thomas Armetta, to knot the game at 3.
 
SUNY New Paltz had an opportunity to take its first lead of the game toward the end of the first quarter as it retained possession for the last 70 seconds. Elias Elcock found room and ripped a shot that went just high of the cage, but the Hawks kept possession. Kaelin then put a shot on goal with time winding down, which was saved by Bears goalie Ben Fuchs. Kaelin had one more chance to up his team's total but his attempt was blocked before reaching the cage, which resulted in a 3-3 tie heading into the second period. 
Potsdam regained the lead after the first scoreless 10 minutes of action, as the Bears took advantage of another Fuchs save from the defensive end. The Hawks answered after forcing a turnover on a Bears clear attempt. John Reese picked up the loose ball and the eventually Armetta found the ball in his stick to tie the game at four. Armetta then helped his team to their first lead of the day. The possession started with a save from Ryan Steinhart on the defensive end and SUNY New Paltz crossed midfield to re-start another offensive possession with about 1 minute, 40 seconds on the clock. Stewart called a timeout to draw up a play for his guys and they came out and executed perfectly, as Armetta found Elcock for the score.
 
However, Potsdam responded before the half was over. After another faceoff violation gave the Bears a man-up opportunity, the hosts took advantage with a goal just 16 seconds left to tie the score at 5-all entering the halftime break.
 
SUNY Potsdam came out hot to start the second half. They forced six turnovers in the third quarter with the Hawks going just 3-7 on clear attempts, which helped the Bears on a 4-0 run to establish a 9-5 lead with about three minutes remaining in the third. Scully put an end to the run, netting an attempt from Reese to cut the deficit 9-6 entering the final quarter.
  
Armetta opened up the fourth quarter with a goal for the Hawks, but the Bears proceeded to go on a 6-0 run to put the game out of reach.

"I believe Potsdam played slightly faster in the second half and played with confidence," Stewart said. "They also turned up the pressure in the middle of the field. They did a great winning the battle at the faceoff-X, and did a great job pressing us with their ride."
 
The Bears out-shot SUNY New Paltz, 61-28 in the game and 35-8 in the second half with Potsdam also holding the advantage on face-offs, 20-7.
 
Scully led the Hawks with three goals, while Armetta finished with two goals and four assists. Reese chipped in with one goal and one assist, to go along with a team-high seven ground balls. Steinhart made his collegiate debut Monday and finished with 22 saves on 37 shots faced.
 
"Some positive take-aways are we were able to identify some things that work for us offensively," Srewart said. "Also, we know that our defensive system is capable of slowing down our opponents. Leading up to Oneonta, we must work on winning the middle of the field."
 
SUNY New Paltz is back in action Friday when it travels to Castkill Cup rival SUNY Oneonta. Opening Faceoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

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