Cortland, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz fell in a crucial match against the Cortland Red Dragons Wednesday.

Cortland put an early goal in and despite the Hawks' efforts offensively, the Red Dragons were able to win, 1-0. 
 
Early on, it was evident Cortland came out with an intent to score early, which they were successful in doing. After a blocked shot from Rachel Eisert, Cortland brought the ball upfield and knocked one in, a goal scored off a deflected save, in the fifth minute of play. 
 
Tensions rose during the first half, and physicality was present in all areas of the field. Both SUNY New Paltz and Cortland had six fouls, and two combined yellow cards for the first. Along with being a physically charged half, it was also mostly played in the attacking thirds of the field for both sides. Possession switched often between the competitors, as well as shot opportunities. Cortland had five shots, four on goal, and the Hawks had a notable nine shots with three on net. 
 
Going into the second, SUNY New Paltz came out with an immediate intensity, matching and exceeding Cortland's energy from the previous half. Three minutes in, Katie Buquicchio and Mia Baldinger had back-to-back shots trying to tie the score but were unsuccessful. After much play in the midfield, Ally Donovan was able to get free and take a shot, but it was wide right. Following the attempt, the Hawks had three consecutive corner kick opportunities — all yielding the same scoreless result. 
 
The Hawks produced far more offensive opportunities than Cortland in the second, which only put up three shots compared to SUNY New Paltz's seven attempts. Maddie Franklin held off the Red Dragons with a key save in the second, making her total save count for the match four. Despite the Hawks' best efforts, the game clock dwindled down and the buzzer sounded with a 1-0 score, the home team being victorious.
 
Cortland now has 16 points in the conference, compared to the Hawks' 15, putting the Red Dragons in first place in the SUNYAC standings. The Red Dragons face Oswego Saturday and SUNY New Paltz will play Fredonia the same day, both games having implications on possible seeding for the SUNYAC tournament.
 
The Hawks will travel west to face the Blue Devils. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.


********************* 
 
To stay up to date with everything #NPHawks be sure to follow us on Twitter at @nphawks, Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to our Youtube channel, New Paltz Hawks.