Though the cold was biting and the rain was piercing, our New Paltz Women’s Lacrosse team fought hard against the elements this past Saturday in their first conference game against the Potsdam Bears. Our girls took the field with intensity and drive, averaging at least five goals a quarter, ultimately securing a 17-6 win.
With a devastating loss to Nazareth the previous Saturday, March 19, after playing some of the best and most aggressive lacrosse we’ve seen from the 2022 roster all season, the Hawks were determined to build off of their last game and defend their previous win against Potsdam during the 2021 season, — which they demolished their opponents 25-3.
The first whistle blew at exactly 1 p.m. on the North Turf, and although the Bears were able to grab the first draw control, the Hawks starting midfield line- — third-years Cam Ryder and Shannon Brosnan, and second-year Kaitlyn “Shawty” Shaw — held pressure at the 50-yard line, forcing a turnover and fast-breaking toward the attacking end, a trend that would continue throughout the entirety of the game.
Although the first couple of shots taken by New Paltz were either saved or missed, the attacking line quickly adjusted to Potsdam’s goalie, fourth-year Netta Terrance’s style of play. She stood high in the crease, denying any high-to-high shots, a usual staple for most of the Hawk midfielders. This allowed for some of the sneakier attackers to shine, such as first-year Alyssa Indelicato, who bagged her first collegiate hat trick.
After the first goal of the game, made by New Paltz’s own fourth-year attack Maddy Carullo in the first three minutes, the Bears started to get restless and quickly closed the one-point gap two minutes later, tying up the score at 1-1. This did not faze our girls, however, as they kept their composure against the increased amount of fouls that the Potsdam defensive line started making, sinking every eight-meter shot they were given. By the end of the first quarter, the Hawks were riding high on their comfortable, four-goal lead.
In the second quarter, top Hawk goal scorer, fourth-year attacker Katie Zito, joined the 100-point club along with only six other Hawk alumni, confirming her invaluable career for the growing New Paltz program as she snagged an assist from Carullo from behind the cage, sinking a bounce shot in between Terrance’s legs. The entire team, including the bench, took a momentary break from the game to celebrate their fearless leader by running onto the field and engaging in a heart-warming group hug.
Hailey “Saver” Aber, second-year nationally ranked Hawk goalie, secured a shutout in the third quarter, denying Potsdam every shot that they took. For the first time this season, the Hawks were successfully able to transition the ball from the defensive end all the way to the attacking end in one straight shot more than once, and while Aber was busy defending the net, the attacking line made sure her efforts were not wasted as they sunk seven back-to-back goals, bringing the score up to a whopping 16-4.
With their first conference game ending with a 11 goal lead, the Hawks are fired up and ready to take on their next big SUNYAC opponent, Brockport, this upcoming Saturday on North Turf. The Brockport Men’s lacrosse team defeated our Hawks this past Saturday 15-5, and our girls are determined now more than ever to defend their home field and remind the SUNYAC that the Hawks are a force to be reckoned with.
