NEW PALTZ, NY – The State University of New York New Paltz field hockey team hosted Skidmore College in a Tuesday afternoon non-conference matchup on North Turf, falling 5-2 despite a competitive opening half that saw the Hawks enter the break tied with the Thoroughbreds.
SUNY New Paltz (4-10 overall) opened the scoring less than four minutes into the contest and later erased a one-goal deficit in the second quarter. Caydence Parker and Ashley McGough each found the back of the cage, but Skidmore (7-7 overall) scored three unanswered goals after halftime to secure the road victory.
The Hawks generated an early offensive opportunity when McGough tested Skidmore goalkeeper Nicole Sylvestri in the fourth minute. Moments later, Parker capitalized on an opportunity set up by Sophia Bronzi, finding the back of the cage at the 3:54 mark for her seventh goal of the season.
SUNY New Paltz continued applying pressure throughout the opening quarter. Senior Lil Schaub forced a save in the 10th minute, while Parker followed with another attempt on target just seconds later. The Hawks finished the opening period with four shots and two penalty corners, but Skidmore found an equalizer with 24 seconds remaining as Ella Costa converted off an assist from Madeleine Tucker to even the score at one.
The Thoroughbreds carried that momentum into the second quarter, taking their first lead at the 17:29 mark when Colby Paul scored off a feed from Emma Houff. Despite facing increased pressure, the Hawks responded midway through the period.
At 22:06, McGough delivered the equalizer off an assist from Abigail Bozzanca, recording her eighth goal of the season and bringing SUNY New Paltz level at two apiece. The junior paced the Hawks offensively with four shots, all on target, as the two sides entered halftime deadlocked at 2-2.
Skidmore regained the advantage early in the third quarter, with Paul registering her second goal of the afternoon at 32:12. Costa added another in the 40th minute, giving the visitors a 4-2 advantage heading into the final period.
The Thoroughbreds added its fifth goal just 35 seconds into the fourth quarter, capitalizing on a two-on-one opportunity in transition. Molly Van Vranken fed Catie O'Rourke, who finished the chance to extend the Thoroughbreds' advantage to 5-2.
SUNY New Paltz continued searching for opportunities in the final 15 minutes, earning three penalty corners and recording three shots in the fourth quarter, but could not close the deficit.
Skidmore finished with a 19-11 advantage in shots and an 8-7 edge in penalty corners. McGough and Parker each recorded four shots for the Hawks, while Schaub added two.
Defensively, Joleigh Kozack and Samantha Torres each registered a defensive save. Goalkeepers Kate Comiskey and Grace Grant combined for 10 saves, with each recording five stops in the contest.
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