ONEONTA, NY – The State University of New York New Paltz field hockey team battled through a scoreless opening three quarters before delivering a dramatic overtime victory Tuesday afternoon, defeating former SUNYAC rival Oneonta, 2-1, at All College Field.

Caydence Parker led the way for the Hawks (6-11), recording a goal and an assist, including the helper on Joleigh Kozack's game-winning tally just over three minutes into overtime. The victory gave SUNY New Paltz momentum heading into its pivotal NJAC regular-season finale against Montclair State Saturday.

Both teams struggled to break through during the opening half, with the Hawks holding a narrow 4-4 advantage in shots. Oneonta generated six penalty corners compared to New Paltz's two, but neither side could capitalize. Goalkeeper Grace Grant made a second-quarter save on Miranda Colacchio to preserve the scoreless deadlock heading into halftime.

SUNY New Paltz began asserting itself offensively in the third quarter, outshooting the Red Dragons 6-1 while generating six penalty corners. Abigail Bozzanca tested Oneonta goalkeeper Eva Klessel early in the period, while Kendell Erlwein nearly broke through in the 42nd minute, only for defender Gabby Alfinito to turn away her attempt with a defensive save.

The Hawks maintained their pressure in the fourth, creating several dangerous opportunities before finally finding the breakthrough in the 55th minute. Following a flurry of attempts from Ashley McGough and Morgan Quirk, Maya O'Keefe delivered a penalty corner that Parker converted at the 54:04 mark, putting SUNY New Paltz ahead, 1-0.

Oneonta answered just over three minutes later when Colacchio finished a feed from Alexandra Howell at 57:14, leveling the contest and forcing overtime.

SUNY New Paltz wasted little time taking control of the extra session. McGough sent an early attempt wide before earning a penalty corner at 63:10. Seven seconds later, Parker connected with Kozack, who buried the golden goal to seal the 2-1 road victory.

The Hawks finished with an 18-7 advantage in shots, including a 12-4 edge in shots on goal, while generating 13 penalty corners to Oneonta's eight. Parker and McGough each registered four shots, while Grant finished with three saves in the win.

SUNY New Paltz returns to NJAC action Saturday, Oct. 31, when it travels to Montclair State for an 11 a.m. matchup with postseason implications.

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