Scranton, PA — The State University of New York New Paltz officially began its 2025 season Friday on the road at Marywood University with the Hawks using a 4-0 start to claim the eventual, 5-2 victory.
SUNY New Paltz controlled most of the game, scoring four unanswered before the Pacers answered with their only two goals coming early in the third quarter. Ultimately, the Hawks created more chances, out-shooting the hosts, 25-8 including 16-4 on goal, while generating nine penalty corners to Marywood's five.
The second quarter seemingly decided the game, as the Hawks were hot in front of cage, tallying 13 shots and capitalizing three times to secure a comfortable, 4-0 cushion. SUNY New Paltz earned a corner merely seconds into the period with
Ashley McGough taking advantage on an input by
Miranda Britton. The Hawks quickly won back possession, leading to consecutive shots by
Rachel Tama, Britton and McGough before they found a foot to land another corner. Britton put the ball in to Tama who took a swing at goal with Britton there on the tip for the goal.
McGough added one more before the end of the half, scoring with 15 seconds to spare in the quarter with freshman
Samantha Torres registering her first point of her career with the assist on the play.
The Pacers answered with back-to-back goals in the third, but the Hawks added an insurance goal in the fourth scoring off another corner with
Meghan Gunning adding on with nine minutes left to secure the 5-2 win.
The forward line of Tama, Britton and McGough were key offensively. Tama tallied a game-high nine shots, seven on target with an assist. Britton added six shots, two on frame with two goals, while McGough was efficient on her four shots, three on goal with two goals.
Gail Comiskey and
Grace Grant split time in goal with each making one stop.
SUNY New Paltz's weekend in Scranton, Pennsylvania continues as it is back in action Saturday to face University of Scranton at 3 p.m.
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