NEW PALTZ – Despite holding a commanding 31-8 margin in shots, the State University of New York at New Paltz field hockey team eked out a 3-2 victory over Union College on Wednesday afternoon in non-conference action at the Turf Field.

New Paltz broke a 1-all tie by scoring twice in a span of less than two minutes early in the second half. Union drew within one with a goal with less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation, and the Hawks held on to claim the win. The Hawks move to 8-6 overall and the Dutchwomen fall to 4-10 overall and visit Vassar College Saturday at 2 p.m.

Deirdre O'Neill scored just 2:45 into the contest, knocking a pass from Danielle Conklin into the right-hand corner of the goal. Union responded less than a minute later, though, with Ali Flake directing a Hannah Najar insertion from a penalty corner into the back of the cage. That score would stand up heading into halftime despite the fact that the Hawks held a 15-4 edge in shots in the first half.

Jessica Caruana gave New Paltz the lead once again at 46:41, blasting a penalty stroke into the left-hand side of the cage, and Conklin tacked on an insurance score at 48:25, knocking in a feed from Dani Ackerman that came from the left. Union cut into the New Paltz advantage at 60:37, as Nicole Merigliano scored off a sweeping shot from the left-hand side of the circle. The Dutchwomen were unable to net the equalizer down the stretch, and the Hawks held on for the victory.

Alayna Wageman earned the win for New Paltz, making two saves in 63:12 of action, while Molly McCune of Union had a 14-save effort. Antonija Pjetri drew the start in the cage for the Hawks but did not earn a decision, stopping one shot and allowing one goal.

In addition to its large advantage in shots, New Paltz owned a 12-3 edge in penalty corners.