SUNY Oneonta Athletics

ONEONTA, N.Y. - The SUNY Oneonta field hockey team fell to New Paltz, 2-1, in overtime in a non-conference match at All College Field on Tuesday afternoon. Both teams recorded a goal in the fourth period to force overtime, where New Paltz gained the upper hand for the decision. The Red Dragons moved to 8-7 this season with the result, while the Hawks improved to 6-11 overall. 

"We played a good 60+ minutes today as a group," Head Coach Kelly Kingsbury commented. "This is exactly the tempo of game we want going into our conference finale on Saturday." 

Senior captain Alexandra Howell (Holtsville, N.Y./Sachem East) finished the game with an assist and became the Oneonta field hockey program's all-time leader in career assists. Howell has totaled 35 assists in her collegiate career, surpassing Ruth Rapp's previous record of 34 set in 1987. In her nearly four-year career, Howell has recorded 47 goals and 35 assists for 129 points, which currently places her fifth in program history for career points and sixth all-time in career goals. 

"Super proud of Ali on this accomplishment," said Coach Kingsbury when asked about Howell's record-breaking achievement. "She is a selfless player even though she can do it all when needed. Today was the perfect day for that record breaking assist in a big moment. Super happy for her!" 

After a scoreless three quarters, the Hawks found the back of the net in the fourth with Caydence Parker scoring at 54:04 off an assist from Maya O'Keefe.

With little time remaining, the Red Dragons answered back quickly when junior Miranda Colacchio (Lagrange, N.Y./Arlington) secured the equalizing goal off Howell's assist at 57:14 and forced overtime. 

New Paltz's Joleigh Kozack secured the win for the Hawks in 3:17 of the first overtime period off an assist from Parker.

Colacchio ended the game with a goal, which was her fifth of the season, off three shots on target, while Howell recorded a shot on goal and the record-setting assist.

Freshman goalkeeper Eva Klessel (Bronxville, NY/Bronxville) ended the game with nine saves. Grace Grant recorded three saves in the cage for the Hawks. 

New Paltz outshot Oneonta 18-7 in total shots and held a 13-8 penalty corner advantage. 

The Red Dragons travel to Oswego to face the Lakers on October 31st for the final regular season SUNYAC matchup at 1 pm. Read Full Article