New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz field hockey team opens up its 2021 season at Montclair University Wednesday with the Hawks boasting a deep roster in their pursuit of another conference championship title.

"This preseason I would say was one of the best we've ever had," said SUNY New Paltz senior midfield/forward Shannon Bernhardt. "The energy was off the charts. We have a really big incoming class this year. We have 11 incoming players and they all really brought it and gave it their all in every session, so I am really proud of the team throughout preseason and I'm really looking forward to our success moving forward.
 

The series between the two interstate rivals dates back to 2000 with the Red Hawks of Montclair dominating the competition to the tune of 17 wins and only one loss. That lone Hawks victory was a 2-1 win at New Paltz in 2015. Sprague Fiield has not been kind to SUNY New Paltz, yet this year's edition looks to make a dent in that series record.

Montclair managed to play a short spring season in 2021, ending with a 1-2 record against NJAC competition. In their last full season, 2019, the Red Hawks finished 10-7 overall with a 2-4 NJAC record and did not qualify for the conference tournament. SUNY New Paltz was 10-7 in 2019, with a 4-2 SUNYAC record, losing 1-2 in overtime in the semifinals of the SUNYAC tournament to SUNYAC runner up, SUNY Cortland. The Hawks had defeated the Red Dragons a year earlier in the SUNYAC Championship game to claim the program's fifth conference title. 

SUNY New Paltz return nine players from their last championship run in 2018, including midfielders Morgan Gunter, Bernhardt, Courtney Kruzikas, Jessica Ascencao and backs Katie D'Amico, Kyra D'Amico, Kayla Ahern and goalies Mackenzie Mortimer and Ryan Dowling. The entire Hawks senior class has starting experience, but the biggest return is of two-time All-SUNYAC and All-Region selection Jessica Ascencao. The senior, Mohegan Lake, NY native has started all 38 games played the last two competitive seasons for the program and has totaled 22 goals and 10 assists — the most on the team.

"I think this team has just as much potential as we did in 2018," Gunter said. "With COVID, we put in a lot of effort during our offseason. We scrimmaged Adelphi [August 24] and just that taste of competition just reminded me of how much I missed playing another team, so I am really excited to take the field."

SUNY New Paltz also returns junior forward Natasia Plunkett who had a breakout freshman campaign where she earned First-Team All-SUNYAC and Second-Team All-North Atlantic Region honors after scoring eight goals in 16 starts. She highlights a deep forward line that boast promising sophomores Hannah Ackerman, Morgan Woolley and talented freshmen in Kenzie Brooks, Amanda Quennville, Danielle Walsh and Bridget Malone.

The Hawks have the most experience in the midfield, led by Ascencao, Kruzikas, Gunter, Bernhardt and junior Jamie Wagner, but junior transfer Alexa Wentz and freshmen Emily Brown, and Emily McGovern will also fight for time on the field.

Ahern will hold down the defensive unit for SUNY New Paltz. She has secured the center back spot since coming in as a freshman in 2018 and through two seasons has totaled 2,493 minutes played, leading the team in that category in 2019 while starting every game of her career. She'll be tasked with holding the oppositions top offensive weapon in check and has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the conference with her combination of speed and strong tackling ability. 

"This year our team has depth," said SUNY New Paltz coach Shanna Szablinski. "We came into preseason with the mindset that we will face any challenge head on and use it as an opportunity to grow. Due to setbacks from COVID, our program is focused on being in the moment. It is and always will be about what we can control and that is our attitude, effort and energy. Not having a season last year or even opportunities to practice full strength has made us realize how every moment is valuable. We focus on being connected on a much deeper level than just being on the field together and are invested in being the best version of ourselves for the betterment of the team."

The Hawks have strong competition for the starting goalie spot, with incumbents Mortimer and Dowling each excelling in the starting role in 2019 and 2018, respectively. Mortimer was named a Second-Team All-SUNYAC selection after registering 84 saves and three shutouts, while Dowling was pivotal in the team's conference championship run, recording 153 total saves and 26 during three games in the postseason. Alexia Wagner adds competition at the position as another promising freshman for Szablinski's squad.

"This year I think our biggest strength is going to be the depth of this team," Bernhardt said. "Even though we have a huge bench, every single person is talented on this team and has a lot to bring once they're on the field."

Among the 26 players on the roster, 13 have yet to play a collegiate hockey game and Wednesday will mark the first of their young careers. However, despite the inexperience along the roster, SUNY New Paltz has shown flashes of its potential during the preseason, including in its two scrimmages against Adelphi and Union College.

"Training thus far has been high energy, excitement and intense. We waited way too long and this has fueled our desire to play at a championship caliber level and we will not take for granted time we have together or settle for being average," said Szablinski, "Our leaders Ryan [Dowling], Shannon [Bernhardt], Jessie [Ascencao], and Courtney [Kruzikas] have done a tremendous job keeping our players connected throughout the summer and during preseason. They have so much pride and passion and that has been evident in all they do.

"Our goal is to focus on the day and the growth of our team. We want to win and understand it starts with preparation, strong relationships, taking pride in what we do, being in the moment and creating a competitive environment so we are ready when it is game day. This season is about taking advantage of every opportunity that we have to be together."

SUNY New Paltz is set to begin its 2021 campaign Wednesday under the lights at Montclair State for a 7:30 p.m. start.


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