GLASSBORO, NJ – The State University of New York New Paltz field hockey team saw its historic inaugural New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament run come to a close Wednesday evening, falling to top-seeded Rowan University, 4-0, in the conference semifinals at Coach Richard Wackar Stadium.
The Hawks entered the matchup fresh off their first NJAC Tournament victory in program history, a dramatic 2-1 quarterfinal win over Kean University on Monday. Facing the conference's regular-season champion, SUNY New Paltz looked to extend its postseason run against a Rowan squad that entered the contest riding a lengthy winning streak.
The Profs applied pressure early, generating four penalty corners within the opening six minutes. The Hawks' defense initially held firm, highlighted by a defensive save from Gabriella Barth on a Mia Foti attempt at the 7:22 mark.
However, Rowan capitalized on the ensuing penalty stroke, as Chloe Yoder converted to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage. Less than a minute later, Riley McClelland doubled the lead off an assist from Gracie Merrick, putting SUNY New Paltz in an early two-goal deficit.
Despite the opening-quarter setback, the Hawks settled defensively in the second period. Goalkeeper Grace Grant helped keep Rowan off the scoreboard through the frame, allowing SUNY New Paltz to enter halftime trailing 2-0.
Rowan extended its advantage shortly after the break, with Sydney Kowalczyk finding the cage off an assist from Ella Toll at 32:39. Tori Tullio added the Profs' fourth goal at 44:27, closing out the scoring before the final quarter.
SUNY New Paltz continued battling through the final 15 minutes, generating two shots and two penalty corners in the fourth quarter, but could not break through the Rowan defense.
McGough led the Hawks with two shots, both on goal, while Parker added two attempts, including one on target. Grant finished with five saves, and Barth contributed a defensive save.
Rowan finished with a 15-4 advantage in shots and a 16-4 edge in penalty corners.
The Hawks conclude their 2026 campaign with an 8-12 overall record, highlighted by a historic first season competing in the NJAC. SUNY New Paltz earned its first conference postseason berth and advanced to the semifinals following Monday's quarterfinal victory over Kean, establishing an early postseason milestone in its new conference home.
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