New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz came from behind to earn a hard-fought, 2-1 win over visiting Union Wednesday on North Turf Field thanks to two late fourth quarter goals by senior
Miranda Britton.
Britton and the Hawks were looking for a breakout performance from the NFHCA Preseason Watch List pick and after going scoreless in the last four games, the senior forward was the catalyst in SUNY New Paltz first win on North Turf Field this season.
The Hawks controlled the game throughout 60 minutes, out-shooting the Garnett Chargers, 21-6 including 19-4 in shots on goal. However, the visitors were more efficient with their opportunities, as they took an early 1-0 lead in the 29th minute.
With just seconds left in the half, Union quickly re-started off a foot foul in its offensive half and capitalized. The Chargers' Katelyn Birnbaum worked a pass in the middle of the cage with Ellie Innes running on and chipping a shot over Hawks goalie
Gail Comiskey for the opening goal of the match.
Down by one entering the fourth, SUNY New Paltz finally found its first goal man-down following a green card assessed to senior captain
Rachel Tama. Despite one less player, the Hawks maintained possession.
Elizabeth Austin transitioned the ball down field and fed
Meghan Gunning in the middle who dribbled into the circle before centering a pass to Britton waiting in front of goal. The Sayville, NY native one-timed her shot into the back of the net for the game-tying goal with nearly 14 minutes still left in regulation.
Britton didn't take long before scoring another. Two minutes later, she burned her man down the sideline, cut in and placed her shot past Chargers goalie Sophie Brady (10 saves) as she came out to stack with Britton proving too quick for Union's defense, resulting in what became the game-winner.
The Chargers pulled Brady in the final five minutes searching for the equalizer and put on two shots to try and tie, but Comiskey was there both times for the stop to secure her team the 2-1 victory.
Tama led the team with eight shots, all on target, followed by Britton with six while Austin added three. Comiskey earned her fifth win on the year after making three saves in a full 60 minutes of action.
SUNY New Paltz returns to North Turf Field Saturday, hosting SUNY rival Oneonta at 12:30 p.m.
HAWKS VS UNION PHOTO GALLERY BY KAITE WILSON
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