Box Score Cortland, NY – The State University of New York at New Paltz women's lacrosse team kicked off conference play with a valiant effort against No. 15 SUNY Cortland Saturday, winning the battle on the circle, while also helping force the opposition into 17 turnovers in the game. But, the Hawks (4-3 overall, 0-1 SUNYAC) couldn't keep up with the Red Dragons (6-4, 1-0) potent offense and took a 15-5 loss.

"We played well in many parts of the game, but it is still a loss by 10," said SUNY New Paltz coach Keith Detelj. "We need to be more clinical in key points of the game. Once that happens, then the hard work will provide the result."

Brie Yonge opened up the scoring for SUNY Cortland about a minute into the game, which ignited a 9-0 run. Kayla Massena put an end to the surge with 9 minutes, 48 seconds left in the first half with Amy Hofer registering the assist on the play to help Massena to her 10^th goal of the year.

The Hawks held the Red Dragons scoreless for nearly nine minutes before Kristyn Drake netted an unassisted goal to boost her team's lead to 10-1 at the break.

SUNY New Paltz picked up its play in the second half, scoring back-to-back goals by Tara Bovich and Emily Puciloski – both unassisted to cut the deficit to 11 with roughly 15 minutes left in the game.  

Megan Gonzalez put an end to the Hawks' mini-run with 10:21 left, but SUNY New Paltz ended the game on a high note, scoring two more from freshmen Bovich and Hofer to finalize the 15-5 outcome.

Bovich led the Hawks with two goals, while Hofer and Puciloski each added a goal and an assist in the game. Nicole Sheintul got the start between the pipes for SUNY New Paltz and recorded eight saves.

As a team, the Hawks picked up 12 draw control wins to 10 for the Red Dragons, who out-shot SUNY New Paltz 23-17 on the day.

Molly Newton led SUNY Cortland offensively with three goals and an assist, while Annie Casey (nine saves) and Paige Potter (three saves) split time in net.

The Hawks are back in SUNYAC action Tuesday when they host rival SUNY Oneonta for a 4 p.m. game on the North Turf Field. Be sure to follow @nphawks on Twitter and @newpaltzhawks on Instagram and Facebook for updates, highlights, videos, photos and more.