Brockport, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz overcame an 8-0 run by third seeded The College at Brockport Tuesday to create an exciting second half Tuesday in the SUNYAC Tournament quarterfinal.
 
The Hawks (6-10 overall) came within four to end the half, but unforced turnovers were their demise in the final 30 minutes, which allowed the Golden Eagles to keep their distance and eventually come away with a 13-7 victory.
 
"Really proud of them," said SUNY New Paltz coach Randy Vite. "I think this being our second appearance in conference playoffs in program history it's a different feeling, and coming into it feeling that pressure you can't even prepare for, I was proud of them for settling in. I think we had some great plays and great goals, but it took us a minute for us to get over our jitters."
 
The Hawks opened up the scoring just two minutes in with Maddy Carullo feeding Alyssa Indelicato for the score. Four minutes later, SUNY New Paltz doubled up its advantage as Maddie Gillis pushed in transition following a defensive stand and found Katie Zito for the score.
 
The Golden Eagles settled in from there and took advantage of early Hawks turnovers. Allison Jennings helped get the rally started with a free position goal following a push in the eight. Shannon Brosnan won the ensuing draw for SUNY New Paltz, but a throw away working the ball around wasted an offensive possession and Brockport took advantage. The Golden Eagles eventually scored after playing 7-v-7 offense, beating Hawks goalie Hailey Aber top right corner to tie the game at 2-2.
 
The ensuing draw went to the hosts, which quickly took the lead scoring immediately after gaining possession. The Golden Eagles then rattled off three more before the first quarter ended to take a 6-2 advantage.
 
 
SUNY New Paltz finally broke up the 8-0 run with just more than three minutes to play in the second half. A solid defensive stand by the Hawks with Alex Coyle playing stout defense to force a bad pass inside led to a Brockport turnover. The Hawks cleared the ball down field before Kaitlyn Shaw scored off an assist by Brosnan feeding from X.
 
Shaw helped add one more for SUNY New Paltz after a successful ride. The sophomore found a cutting Maddy Carullo who beat Brockport goalie Morgan Elmer top right corner to trim the deficit, 8-4. Shaw nearly made the difference three with Gillis finding her on a cut inside with 10 seconds left in the half, but Elmer made the stop to preserve the 8-4 score.
 
Brosnan found the back of the net to start the second half scoring for the Hawks, rounding the crease and ripping a shot top pipe to cut the score, 9-5 with about nine minutes to go in the third quarter. The Golden Eagles countered though with two more goals to end the period to re-up a five-goal advantage. 
A free position attempt three minutes into the fourth quarter allowed Brockport to take a 12-6 lead before it cushioned its advantage with four minutes left off another free position attempt. Brosnan added one last goal for SUNY New Paltz, which came man-down following another defensive stand with Gillis running in transition and finding Brosnan for the goal.
 
"It feels good to have this playoff game under our belt," Vite said. "We have a young team and feeling that feeling, we're going to be better for it next year. I think we're going to come out a better team having this experience."
 
Brockport held the advantage in shots, 33-16, and won the turnover battle, 21-27. Brosnan led the Hawks with two goals and an assist with one caused turnover. Gillis followed with three assists and a team-leading four ground balls. Zito finished with two goals on three shots, while Aber ended with 11 saves.
 
SUNY New Paltz returns all but five from their 2022 team, including Zito, Carullo, Viviana Scotti, Lizz Braun and Alanni Gates. Zito in particular ends a storied four-year career, finishing sixth all-time in career points (123) and assists (34), and tied for eighth in goals (89).
 
"This whole group is really special to me as my first ever team and my first season as a head coach," said Vite who took the Hawks to the postseason for just the second time ever in her first season at the helm. "I think they had things stacked against them too. They didn't have a coach all of their offseason. They were in some turmoil whether they were going to have a coach for this season. I just think the way we transitioned and they welcomed me with open arms and I am super thankful for the entire group, and the senior leaders have absolutely been incredible and so helpful. I think the entire team looks up to them and respect them. I think they really paved the way for New Paltz Lacrosse and hopefully we can continue to add to that success."

SUNYAC Quarterfinal Highlights


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