New Paltz, NY — The Hawks just could not be stopped. 

In an impressive offensive campaign, the State University of New York New Paltz ran away with a 24-7 win over the visiting Canton Kangaroos. The victory marked the most goals scored in a single game in program history for the Hawks stemming from eight different scorers. 

"Going into it, we knew it was a must-win game and an opportunity to prepare for our upcoming games," said senior midfielder Ethan Scully. "We played as a unit today and played for 60 minutes straight."

The win also came on Senior Day, celebrating SUNY New Paltz's four graduating seniors, Scully, Aiden Duran, James Flanagan and Anthony Senecal. Duran joined the program this year as a transfer and added depth to the Hawks' offense, while the other three players have been key contributors to the team since their freshman years. 

"Especially on a game like senior day, we talked about how much the seniors have put into this program," Scully said. "All of us have been here from the start of the program, so it's bittersweet playing my last home game." 

The Hawks started the contest on a five-goal scoring streak, three of which were netted by Blake Lyons. Canton could not respond until just under two minutes left in the quarter, where the Roos scored off a faceoff win taken to cage. The opening quarter concluded with SUNY New Paltz up 5-1, tying their largest first-quarter advantage they have had this season.

The Hawks kept rolling into the second, with Killian Yombor ripping a shot to extend the lead in the first minute. However, the Roos came through on a man-up set minutes later to cut the deficit to four. A face-off violation handed SUNY New Paltz the following possession, where Scully found Lyons on the opposite side before the freshman fired another in the back of the net for his fourth of the game. 
 

The Hawks kept the momentum going and netted three consecutive goals from three different scorers, before Scully assisted Senecal to push the advantage to 11-3. By the end of the half, SUNY New Paltz was leading the visitors 14-3 and scored 8 of the previous 10 goals. 

After a hindered four-goal third quarter from both teams, the Hawks pushed on the gas pedal in the fourth. The offense capitalized on a man-up opportunity, as Senecal found Yombor for his second of the game before the roles reversed on the ensuing possession, and Yombor fed Senecal to extend SUNY New Paltz's lead, 18-5.

Canton was able to net two more goals in the match, but the Hawks buried any opportunity of a comeback with eight total goals in the fourth alone. The buzzer sounded on the game with the hosts on top, 24-7. 

Lyons had a career-high performance, scoring six goals on the day. Scully and Senecal combined for eight of SUNY New Paltz's 24 goals and six of its 15 recorded assists, while Yombor tacked on two goals and four assists. Zach Novak earned the win with 30 minutes in net and four saves. Eric Waldron and Dan Clark both saw time, with four and two saves, respectively. 

"This whole year we emphasized playing as a unit and doing it for the guy next to you," Scully said. "Our team really is one big family, and there's not a lot of teams you can say that about."

SUNY New Paltz enters the latter portion of its conference schedule, going on the road to play two key SUNYAC opponents, Oneonta and Potsdam. Seeded fourth in the conference, the Hawks must win both upcoming games to guarantee their spot in the playoffs.   

"We know that the last two games are important to win," Scully said. "So I think a game like this is beneficial for boosting confidence, especially in such a young team."

The Hawks will go on the road to face the Oneonta Red Dragons on April 23. Game time is set for 4 p.m. 
 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by New Paltz Hawks (@newpaltzhawks)

******************
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.