Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State University field hockey team (6-11, 3-4 NJAC) closed out its season on Saturday morning at Sprague Field, battling from start to finish, but the Red Hawks ultimately fell to visiting SUNY New Paltz (7-10, 3-4 NJAC), 2-0.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The opening quarter was a defensive battle with neither side giving up much space. Montclair generated its best look midway through the frame when KASEY WATSON inserted a penalty corner at 6:29, setting up a shot by EMMA BIANCO that was turned away by the Hawks' defense. New Paltz earned a pair of late corners, but the Red Hawks defense held firm to keep the game scoreless through one.
- Both defenses locked in through a scoreless second quarter. NATALIE SURMA found an opportunity on goal but just wide for the Redhawks at 17:06. New Paltz attempted to spark a rally late in the period, drawing a penalty corner at 23:12 and testing the Red Hawks defense at 28:35. Montclair goalie SYDNEY WHITE made a crucial save to keep New Paltz off the board heading into halftime in a 0-0.
- New Paltz picked right up on offense in the second half, earning three early penalty corners and testing White with back-to-back shots from Ashley McGough. New Paltz broke the deadlock at 37:11, capitalizing off a setup pass to take a 1-0 lead. The Hawks picked right back up late in the quarter, finding the back of the net unassisted at 43:18 to extend the lead to 2-0 and cap off the period.
- Montclair fought to spark a comeback in the fourth quarter. After a penalty corner from Watson at 54:12, BELLA HEISER took a shot that was blocked, and DARBY VON BERG followed with a shot that went wide. White closed out regulation strong, making two late saves to keep the Red Hawks within reach, but New Paltz held on to secure the 2-0 win.
INSIDE THE RESULTS
- The match marked the final career game for Montclair's three seniors, NATALIE SURMA, KASEY WATSON, and JULIA RANSKI, who officially wrapped up their Red Hawk careers.
- SYDNEY WHITE anchored the Red Hawks' defense in the cage, collecting five saves on goal across all 60 minutes of action.
- Montclair generated 5 shots on the day, led by attempts from EMMA BIANCO, NATALIE SURMA, BELLA HEISER, and DARBY VON BERG.
- New Paltz held the overall advantage in offensive opportunities, earning 7 penalty corners to Montclair State's 2.
FROM THE FIELD
- "Although this is a disappointing way to end our 2026 season, I am proud of the ways that this team grew and developed throughout our schedule. Thank you to our three seniors, Julia, Kasey, and Nat, for being great role models and amazing teammates. We return a core group of athletes, and we will take advantage of every opportunity in the off-season to learn and grow." Head Coach Eileen O'Reilly
UP NEXT
- Montclair State finishes the 2026 season with a record of 6-11 and 3-4 in NJAC play
