Maggie Spire's goal at 16:11 proved to be the game-winner for the St. Lawrence Saints field hockey team, as they took a 3-2 win over the SUNY Oneonta Red Dragons Saturday afternoon in New Paltz, N.Y.
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The goals came early and often in the contest, with the Saints jumping out to an early lead, forcing the Red Dragons to play catch-up all game. St. Lawrence then turned defensive-minded in a scoreless second half, preserving the win and improving to 1-1 on the season.
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"It was a good team win today," said head coach
Fran Grembowicz. "We jumped out early, controlling play and taking a 3-2 lead into half which gave us confidence for the rest of the game. Our offensive passing game and support from our defense was exceptionally strong today."
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Caroline Hamilton opened the scoring for the Saints at 2:57, only to have Oneonta respond with a goal of their own under a minute later to tie the score 1-1 at 3:33. However, the next two goals in quick succession were both scored by St. Lawrence.
Lily Gubbins got on the board at 14:26, then Spire scored just under two minutes later to give St. Lawrence some insurance.
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That extra-goal cushion came in handy, as Oneonta made it 3-2 before the end of the half. However,
Cara Vredenburg came up with five of her eight saves in the third and fourth quarters, helping St. Lawrence hold on.
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The Saints will return to action next weekend at the William Smith Tournament in Geneva, N.Y., playing Lebanon Valley on Saturday, Sept. 9 and taking the field against Kean on Sunday, Sept. 10.
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