


NEW PALTZ, N.Y. - The Oswego State field hockey team was too much for SUNY New Paltz, as the Lakers cruised to the 5-2 victory.
Oswego State opened the scoring just six minutes into the contest off a corner. Kimm Hiffa (Holland, NY) sent the corner out to Kelly Collins (Fairport, NY) who took a shot that was deflected in by Eileen O’Neill (New City, NY) for the 1-0 lead.
Just two minutes later the Hawks tied the contest 1-1 when Jessica Moore (Walden, NY/Pine Bush) knocked home a one-timer from Sarah Schloss (Brant Lake, NY/North Warren).
Then the Lakers took control for the rest of the first half. The Lakers netted two straight goals by Collins, with Brittany Roetzer (Akron, NY) assisting on both goals, to give the Lakers a 3-1 lead. Roetzer tallied her first goal on the afternoon off a one-timer from Hiffa and Collins to give the Lakers a 4-1 lead. Collins netted her third goal off a shot by Roetzer to push the Lakers lead to 5-1 at the half. Collins recorded three goals and two assists and Roetzer recorded one goal and three assists on the afternoon.
Moore tallied her second goal off a pass from Kristen Donnelly (Nichols, NY/Owego Free Academy) to cut the lead to 5-2, but the Hawks could not find the cage the rest of the contest.
Elizabeth Dini (Sayville, NY/Sayville) recorded the loss in net allowing three goals in 18 minutes and 56 seconds of play. Grace Watson (Bayville, NY/Locust Valley) allowed two goals while saving three for the Hawks. The Hawks fall to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in SUNYAC competition.
Jaime Scharfe (Webster, NY) recorded the win in net tallying six saves. The Lakers improve to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in SUNYAC competition.
SUNY New Paltz returns to the field Wednesday September 10 at 4 p.m. against Western Connecticut on the SUNY New Paltz campus.
New Paltz finished fourth in the State University of New York Athletic Conference at 3-8 and was 5-13 overall in 2007.
First-year coach Liz Saucier, last season's assistant, has found a smooth transition for herself and her young team.
"We've really meshed well together as coach and team," Saucier said. "They've responded to my coaching style and they're such a great group to work with."
Joining Saucier on the coaching staff is Heather Semelmacher, the former field hockey coach at John A. Coleman Catholic High and girls lacrosse coach at Saugerties.
"Heather's brought a lot to the team already," Saucier said. "She's a great addition and everyone seems to know her."
The Hawks will be helped by the return of their three top goal scorers from last season, sophomore forwards Jess Moore (seven goals, four assists), Lauren Nicomini (four goals, five assists) and Sarah Schloss (four goals, three assists).
"Having all three of them back is huge for us," Saucier said. "The sophomore and freshmen classes have so much talent and they don't get intimidated playing at this level."Other returning offensive players include senior forwards Jillian Carfarchio, Megan Flynn and Marissa Costello, junior midfielders Kristen Donnelly and Kristen Bergmann and sophomore forward Jennifer Dietz, a Kingston High product.
Freshmen midfielders Corry Almeida and Maryana Organidis round out the offense.
Returning defenders are junior Ann Marie Rudd, senior Heather McCoy and sophomores Kelly Brogan, Gretchen Tucker, Alyssa Finck and Kristy Amendola.
"Our defense is going to be strong again," Saucier said. "We also have three new players on defense, Courtney Merton, Mary Grace Hamme and Emmi Van Den Boom who is an exchange student from Holland. Emmi is a very good player and she'll start right away for us."
Three players could find themselves in a platoon situation at the goalkeeper position.
Returnees Grace Watson and Elizabeth Dini, both sophomores, will be joined by newcomer Liz Tong, a junior and Onteora High graduate.
"Right now, all three goalies are showing me they have the ability to start," Saucier said. "I may end up rotating during the season."
The Hawks finally have a home field at the college and used the turf for preseason and practices for the first time this year.
"It's been great to be able to practice here and not have to travel," Saucier said. "We played in a preseason tournament and I saw a lot of good things and some things we have to work on. Our main goal is to work our way up in the conference and eventually get to the top."
Schedule
Home games in bold; SUNYAC games in CAPS
September
3 Drew, 4 p.m.; 6 OSWEGO, 1 p.m.; 10 Western Connecticut St., 4 p.m.; 13 at Kean, 1 p.m.; 20 at BROCKPORT, 1 p.m.; 24 at ONEONTA, 6 p.m.; 27 GENESEO, 1 p.m.
October
3 at Skidmore, 4 p.m.; 4 at MORRISVILLE, 1 p.m.; 8 at Manhattanville, 4 p.m.; 14 at Vassar, 6 p.m.; 18 CORTLAND, 1 p.m.; 22 Stevens Tech, 3:30 p.m.; 25 at Wells, 1 p.m.; 31 at Union, 4 p.m.
November
1 Ramapo, 1 p.m.
Uit: Daily Freeman