BROCKPORT, N.Y. – An exciting start at Dr. Linda Arena and Class of '69 field hockey venue Friday afternoon, as Brockport and New Paltz went head to head right off the bat. The Golden Eagles came up just short, falling to the Hawks 4-3. The team drops to 4-9 on the season and 1-3 in conference while New Paltz improves to 8-4 overall and 4-0 in conference.
Friday's matchup was a collective effort, both teams testing one another on both sides of the ball. The New Paltz offense struck first, collecting their first goal of the day three minutes into play. Brockport was quick to answer back however, adding a goal of their own after a breakaway by freshman
Katelynn Mello. Mello was able to draw out the Hawks goalie only to finesse a pass to
Meaghan Lurz for an open net shot. The next 20 minutes played in favor of the Hawks, putting added pressure on the Brockport defense. New Paltz would add a second goal with minutes left to put the Golden Eagles at a deficit.
The second half saw a similar start to the beginning of the game with the Hawks adding a goal only minutes in. Even though the Golden Eagles were now down 3-1, the offense never lost their edge. Once again, the Mello/Lurz duo marched down the field demanding their presence in the Hawks offensive circle. After a quick scrum in front of the Hawks nest, Mello led a beautiful pass across net to find Lurz on the opposite corner for her second goal of the day and fifth on the season.
Not willing to give up their effort, the Hawks swarmed the Brockport defense for their fourth goal of the game with five minutes left to play. With the end in sight and their chances look small, Mello took matters into her own hands, taking the ball down field for a 50-yard breakaway, outmaneuvering the Hawks goalie to put the Golden Eagles within one. Despite their strong effort, the Golden Eagles ran out of time before they could get the job done.
Brockport's defense provided outstanding backup for goalie
Adriana DeDie, with
Kelsey Devine,
Lydia Aroune, and
Hannah Martens notching four of the team's 14 saves while facing 27 total shots on the day.
The team has a quick turnaround as they are set to take on SUNY Oneonta on home turf at 1 p.m. tomorrow.
Be sure to stay up to date on all your Golden Eagle news, scores, and awards by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and by like the "Brockport Golden Eagles" Facebook page.
