New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz hosted SUNY Geneseo on North Turf Field Saturday on Senior Day with the Hawks falling, 11-2.
 
Despite the loss, SUNY New Paltz (8-4 overall, 4-2 SUNYAC) proved its defense was legitimate, as the Hawks held a Knights team who are averaging nearly 14 goals on 30 shots per game, to 11 goals on 26 shots while forcing 21 turnovers with the visitors — a perennial top-25 program — holding the ball for the majority of the game.
 
"I think playing as much defense as we did today and getting as many stops, caused turnovers, shot clock violations, it definitely did show that we are one of the top defenses in the SUNYAC, which I'm super proud of," said SUNY New Paltz coach Randy Vite. "We put a lot of work into it and they're really dedicated, and really all in and trust each other on defense which is awesome."
 
Gabriella Tommaso had one of her best performances of the season in goal for the Hawks, finishing with 10 saves including three in the opening 10 minutes, which kept the game at 1-0 entering the second with Geneseo scoring its first of the day with five left in the period off a free position opportunity.
 
 
SUNY New Paltz's defense started the second quarter by holding the Knights on a full 90 second shot clock position, then an additional 30 seconds, which led to a shot clock violation. The Hawks had a great look to capitalize after clearing the other way, but Knights goalie Maggie Rosaschi made a good save on an attempt by Camryn Ryder who caught a feed inside the eight. Rosaschi got her team out in transition right after the stop, leading to Geneseo's second goal on a fast-break opportunity to push the lead to 2-0 with about 10 minutes to go in the half. 
 
The Knights scored again stemming from a picked pass on an attempted Hawks clear in the middle of the field, resulting in a 2-v-1 goal to push their lead to 3-0. Kaitlyn Shaw got SUNY New Paltz on the board, cutting through the eight, taking contact but scoring before the whistle sounded to cut into the deficit, 3-1. The Hawks narrowly trimmed the difference to one on their next offensive possession, as Julia Longo threaded a nice pass to a cutting Maddie Gillis, who had a good shot on cage but her attempt ricocheted off the pipe just inches from a would-have-been goal. In turn, Geneseo ran the other way for a fast-break score for a two-goal swing.  
The momentum carried into the second half for Geneseo, as it scored four in the third quarter with the Hawks playing defense virtually the entire period as they didn't tally a single shot in the quarter.  
 
Morgan Atwater broke through for SUNY New Paltz's second goal of the day with 7:36 left in the game, earning consecutive free position opportunities after getting hit going to cage. She took two steps off the hash and ripped a laser bottom right side corner for her 20th of the season, cutting the score to 9-2.
 
With temperatures high and the Hawks playing majority of time on defense, the Knights took advantage on each SUNY New Paltz turnover, running the other way and catching them with numbers to pile on two more down the stretch to finalize the 11-2 outcome.
 
"I think on offense it's about a little bit more composure and discipline against another great zone defense where they were really pressuring us," Vite said. "I definitely think that this is something to build off of."
 
Ryder led the Hawks with four draw controls, followed by Mia Baldinger and Shannon Brosnan each with two. Baldinger added a team-leading three caused turnovers with three ground balls, while senior defender Alex Coyle followed with three caused turnovers as well and two ground balls.

"For sure," said Vite of her defense proving they are one of the best in the SUNYAC. "It's really a thankless job down there and they definitely really held them and had some really nice defensive plays and stops."
 
SUNY New Paltz honored its six graduating seniors prior to the game in Brosnan, Coyle, Ryder, Gillis and defenders Cayci Hill and Ella Malanga. The six has helped the Hawks to one of their winningest seasons to date, as the team regroups for another tough slate Wednesday against No. 19 SUNY Cortland.
 
"These seniors have been an integral part of the recent success of New Paltz Lacrosse," said Vite. "They're great leaders. They've really helped me through my transition here so I'm just so thankful for everything that they've given to the program."
 
 Hawks vs. Geneseo Game Highlights 4/15/23

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