SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) has selected New Paltz teammates Hannah Ackerman and Jessica Ascencao as this week's PrestoSports Field Hockey Offensive and Defensive Athletes of the Week.
Ackerman was vital in a 2-0 week for the Hawks. Against FDU-Florham the sophomore scored a pair of goals, including the first two in a 4-0 shutout over FDU-Florham Oct. 5 and finished with a game-high seven shots, with four fired on net. The Nesconset, NY native backed up her performance with a stellar game against Cortland. She finished with a goal and an assist, including assisting on the essential game winner off a penalty corner then added the final goal to ultimately seal the win over No. 16 Cortland. Ackerman again led her team in shots (7) and shots on goal (4).
Ascencao was the leader on the field for two crucial wins for the Hawks this past week. She played exceptional defensively, leading her team with four defensive saves in a 4-0 win over FDU-Florham and 4-2 victory over No. 16 Cortland, and helped keep the Red Dragons potent offense to a season-low two goals in the game. Along with her work on the defensive end, Ascencao controlled the pace of play up top as well and added a goal and an assist against Cortland, scoring off a banger on a penalty corner before assisting teammate Hannah Ackerman on the final goal of the game to seal the 4-2 victory.
