NEW PALTZ, NY – The State University of New York New Paltz field hockey team delivered a commanding performance Wednesday afternoon, defeating New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) opponent William Paterson University 4-0 on North Turf Field behind a two-goal outing from Abigail Bozzanca and a relentless offensive effort.
The Hawks (5-10 overall, 2-3 NJAC) controlled much of the contest, outshooting the Pioneers 28-9 and generating 22 penalty corners. Bozzanca led the scoring with two goals, while Ashley McGough and Caydence Parker each added a tally. SUNY New Paltz also received a combined shutout performance from goalkeepers Grace Grant and Kate Comiskey, who helped preserve the team's second conference victory.
SUNY New Paltz established its offensive presence early, creating multiple scoring opportunities throughout the opening quarter. McGough registered the first shot of the afternoon less than three minutes into the contest before Parker forced William Paterson goalkeeper Sofia Chebookjian into her first save at the 3:37 mark following a penalty corner.
The Hawks continued applying pressure in the attacking circle, with McGough placing another attempt on target in the ninth minute. Parker followed with consecutive scoring opportunities in the 10th and 11th minutes, but Chebookjian turned away both attempts to keep the contest scoreless.
SUNY New Paltz generated five penalty corners and six shots in the opening 15 minutes, including five attempts on goal, but could not find the breakthrough as the teams entered the second quarter tied at zero.
The Hawks resumed their attack early in the second period, earning back-to-back penalty corners in the 17th minute. Parker tested Chebookjian once again at 16:32 before SUNY New Paltz finally broke through less than two minutes later.
At the 18:22 mark, senior Maya O'Keefe connected with Bozzanca, who finished to give the Hawks a 1-0 advantage.
William Paterson responded with its strongest offensive sequence of the half, earning four penalty corners in less than a minute during the 21st minute. Grant came through with four saves during the stretch, while Parker added a crucial defensive save to prevent the Pioneers from finding an equalizer.
Following the defensive stand, SUNY New Paltz quickly extended its lead.
McGough found the back of the cage at 21:46 for her ninth goal of the season, doubling the Hawks' advantage to 2-0 just over three minutes after Bozzanca's opening tally.
SUNY New Paltz continued creating opportunities before halftime, with Parker and Kendell Erlwein each registering attempts in the closing minutes of the second quarter. The Hawks carried their two-goal advantage into the break, having generated 12 shots and eight penalty corners through the opening 30 minutes.
The hosts returned from halftime with renewed offensive intensity, producing their most dominant stretch of the afternoon in the third quarter.
Joleigh Kozack opened the second-half attack with consecutive shots on goal in the 32nd minute, both turned away by Chebookjian. Bozzanca added another attempt shortly afterward, while the Hawks continued earning penalty corners and keeping the Pioneers under pressure.
SUNY New Paltz generated four penalty corners in a span of less than two minutes beginning at 32:53, with Parker and O'Keefe each testing the William Paterson defense.
The sustained pressure eventually produced the Hawks' third goal of the afternoon.
Following another penalty corner at 35:19, Bozzanca struck again just eight seconds later, recording her second goal of the contest at 35:27 to extend the SUNY New Paltz lead to 3-0.
The Hawks continued controlling the attacking opportunities throughout the remainder of the quarter. O'Keefe recorded two additional shots on goal, while Parker added another attempt on target in the 42nd minute.
William Paterson attempted to create opportunities of its own, but Comiskey, who entered the contest at halftime, made two saves in the third quarter to keep the Pioneers off the scoreboard.
Holding a three-goal advantage entering the final period, the Hawks continued attacking and earned three penalty corners within the opening four minutes.
Parker placed an attempt on target at 47:45 before SUNY New Paltz was awarded a penalty stroke at the 48:38 mark.
The standout first year stepped up and converted the opportunity for her eighth goal of the season, extending the lead to 4-0 and putting the finishing touches on the Hawks' offensive performance.
SUNY New Paltz continued generating opportunities in the closing minutes, with Parker forcing another save in the 57th minute. The Hawks' defensive unit held William Paterson without a shot on goal in the fourth quarter to complete the shutout victory.
Parker led all players with 12 shots, including 10 on target, while adding a goal and a defensive save. McGough finished with five shots and her team-leading ninth goal of the season, while Bozzanca made the most of her opportunities, scoring twice on three shots.
O'Keefe contributed an assist and three shots on goal, while Kozack registered three attempts, including two on target.
Grant finished with five saves in the opening half, while Comiskey added two stops over the final 30 minutes as the duo combined for the shutout.
The Hawks held a 28-9 advantage in shots, a 21-8 edge in shots on goal and a 22-12 margin in penalty corners, with 16 of their shots coming after halftime.
******************
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.
