New Paltz, NY -- The State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz men's lacrosse team earned an incredible victory in a historic season opener Friday against Elmira College, defeating the Soaring Eagles, 14-4. 
 
After months of waiting for their time to shine, the Hawks came onto the field confident and ready to show Elmira what they were made of. From the early minutes of the game to the final second, SUNY New Paltz proved a strong force to be reckoned both offensively and defensively. On the defensive end, both goalkeepers who saw the field were successful. Freshman goalkeeper John Hankel earned the start and denied the Soaring Eagles in the first half, saving four goals and his successor, freshman goalkeeper Nate Lindsey denied seven in the second half. Additionally on the defensive end, freshman defender Sean McLaughlin led his team in caused turnovers (6) putting the Hawks in a good position to gain back possession and create attacking opportunities. 
 
It didn't take long for freshman attacker Ryan Scully to capitalize on the opportunities that were afforded to him by his teammates. Just over five and a half minutes into the first quarter, Scully found the back of the net, not only giving SUNY New Paltz an early lead, but also making history, scoring the first ever goal for the program. 
 
"It felt great to get the team on the board," Scully said. "It was a nice assist from Mason [Pontrelli], he got it into my stick... gave me a chance to put it in the back of the cage." 
 
Throughout the rest of the first quarter, the Hawks and the Soaring Eagles went back and forth with possession, but SUNY New Paltz defense stood strong, keeping Elmira from finding the back of the net for the entirety of the first quarter. 
 
The Hawks carried the momentum  into the second quarter, holding off the Soaring Eagles until sophomore attacker Sam Shaw scored the first goal for Elmira with just more than four minutes and 30 second left in quarter two. It wasn't long after that moment that the Hawks responded with a goal by freshman attacker Thomas Armetta, who was able to squeak in the point just as the shock clock buzzer went off, giving SUNY New Paltz a 5-2 lead at the half. 
 
Within the first four minutes of the third quarter, freshman midfielder Aidan Gregory contributed to the Hawks' lead, scoring a goal that showed Elmira, SUNY New Paltz would not let down. Their energy continued throughout the remaining minutes of the quarter as freshman midfielder Mason Pontrelli and senior midfielder Greg Gurello found the back of the net, respectively, before the Soaring Eagles snuck a goal in with 15 seconds left in the third.  
 
With that goal in the back of their mind, the Hawks came out for the final quarter posting up six goals, only letting one in. From the first to fourth quarter, SUNY New Paltz only got hungrier all over the field and the result of the game showed. 
 
"The defensive end held down the fort, we also controlled the middle of the field," said SUNY New Paltz coach Dwayne Stewart. "You know Jake [Malloy] did a great job of controlling the faceoff "X" and because of that we gained some confidence and with the defense playing the way they were, keeping the ball from the back of the net, you know I think that gave us a lot of life going into the later parts of the game. We have to continue to work on our offensive systems. We did score a lot, but at the same time it wasn't fluid lacrosse so we gotta work on it."
 
The anticipation of the match only added to the excitement the Hawks felt walking away with the win. The victory put in motion the goals they set out for them sevles prior to the season starting. Yet, from here on out all eyes are looking forward toward the season ahead. 
 
"I'm proud of my team," Scully said. "I was really happy with how we came out today. We put in a really good game plan, offense looked good, defense looked great. Just overall happy, looking forward to the rest of the season."
 
Immediately following the win, SUNY New Paltz came into a huddle basking in the glory of their historic win as a team. The pride Stewart's eyes was clear as he spoke to his team and what he said reflected his excitement and hope for the future of the program, and the work he expects the team to put in to find success in the future.  
 
"It's great. I'm more happy for the guys, they've been working really hard, we've been pushing them in practice and for us to get this win the way we did um you know I couldn't be happier for them. 
 
"Listen, any win whichever way it is. It's a great win," he continued. "So, I'm happy for the guys, I'm excited about the direction that the program is heading in. And like I said we are looking forward to the next one. You know so we'll have tomorrow off. We'll get back in the lab, you know out on the field on Monday and be ready for Farmingdale on Wednesday."
 
The Hawks take the field again Wednesday as they take on Farmingdale State away at 7 p.m. 
 
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