MONTCLAIR, NJ – With its postseason hopes hanging in the balance, the State University of New York New Paltz field hockey team delivered when it mattered most Saturday afternoon, shutting out host Montclair State University, 2-0, in a winner-take-all regular-season finale to clinch a berth in the 2026 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament.
The Hawks (6-11, 2-4 NJAC) entered the contest battling the Red Hawks for the final spot in the conference tournament field, needing a victory to extend their season. After a scoreless opening half, Lil Schaub and Ashley McGough delivered third-quarter goals, while SUNY New Paltz's defensive unit held Montclair State without a shot on goal throughout the contest to secure the program's first NJAC postseason berth.
Both sides struggled to generate offensive opportunities in the opening quarter. Montclair State earned the first penalty corner in the seventh minute, but Emma Bianco's ensuing attempt was blocked by the Hawks' defense. SUNY New Paltz responded with consecutive penalty corners from Maya O'Keefe in the eighth minute, but neither opportunity resulted in a shot.
The defensive battle continued into the second quarter, with Montclair's Natalie Surma sending an attempt wide in the 18th minute. SUNY New Paltz generated its first shot in the 24th minute following a penalty corner, but Caydence Parker's effort missed the target.
The Hawks nearly broke the deadlock with less than two minutes remaining in the half, as Abigail Bozzanca forced Montclair goalkeeper Sydney White into her first save of the afternoon. The two sides entered halftime scoreless, with both sides posting two shots.
SUNY New Paltz emerged from the intermission with renewed offensive pressure, earning three penalty corners in the opening three minutes of the third quarter. McGough tested White twice during the sequence, but the Red Hawks' goalkeeper turned away both attempts to preserve the scoreless tie.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 38th minute, and it came from an unlikely source. Senior Lil Schaub picked the perfect moment to net her first collegiate goal, connecting on a feed from fellow senior Maya O'Keefe at the 37:11 mark to give SUNY New Paltz a crucial 1-0 advantage. Schaub's first career tally ultimately stood as the game-winner, helping propel the Hawks into the NJAC Tournament in their inaugural conference season.
SUNY New Paltz continued to control the attacking end and doubled its advantage with less than two minutes remaining in the third quarter. McGough finished an unassisted opportunity at 43:18, extending the Hawks' lead to 2-0 heading into the final period.
The Hawks remained aggressive in the fourth quarter, with McGough generating another opportunity in the 48th minute. Montclair State attempted to respond late, but SUNY New Paltz's defensive unit continued to limit the hosts' scoring chances, preserving the two-goal shutout through the final whistle.
SUNY New Paltz finished with a 9-5 advantage in shots, including a commanding 7-0 edge in shots on goal. The Hawks also earned seven penalty corners compared to Montclair State's two.
McGough led the offensive effort with five shots, four on target, and a goal, while Schaub added the game-winning tally. O'Keefe contributed the assist on Schaub's goal, and Bozzanca and Emily Sepcaru each registered a shot on goal.
Goalkeeper Grace Grant played all 60 minutes in the cage, earning the shutout behind a defensive unit that prevented Montclair State from recording a single shot on target.
The victory sends SUNY New Paltz into the NJAC Tournament in its inaugural season as a conference member, extending the Hawks' season with a decisive road victory in a must-win regular-season finale. The Hawks will travel to face No.4 seeded Kean, matching up with the Cougars on Monday, November 2nd at 7:30 PM.
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