Geneseo, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's lacrosse team faced a tough road test on Saturday afternoon, falling to SUNY Geneseo by a 23–1 final. Despite a determined effort and several strong individual defensive plays, the Wildcats were unable to overcome an early Knights surge. With the loss, SUNY Poly moves to 2–11 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Geneseo wasted no time establishing control, winning the opening draw and applying immediate pressure in the offensive zone. After several early possessions and shots that tested the defense, the Knights broke through at the 13:29 mark when Natalie Long finished a feed from Alaina Reina. Just over a minute later, Cate Doxsee added another, and Geneseo continued to build momentum with consistent draw control wins and second-chance opportunities.
Despite multiple saves and efforts to clear from Rebecca Thomas and the Wildcats' defense, Geneseo's pressure proved relentless. Danyele Emler extended the lead midway through the quarter, and a man-up goal from Emler following a SUNY Poly penalty made it 4–0. The Knights continued to capitalize on both even-strength and extra-player situations, including a man-down goal from Doxsee, as the lead grew to 8–0 by the end of the first quarter.
In the second period, Geneseo maintained its intensity on both ends of the field. Grace Reyna and Natalie Long scored early to push the advantage to double digits, while the Knights' defense limited SUNY Poly's offensive opportunities and forced multiple turnovers. The Wildcats generated a few chances, including a free-position attempt and transition looks, but were unable to convert.
Geneseo continued to take advantage of penalties and possession, scoring twice on man-up opportunities in the middle of the quarter. Doxsee added to her strong performance with multiple goals, helping the Knights extend the lead to 14–0 heading into halftime.
SUNY Poly found a breakthrough early in the third quarter. After a clean clear and settled possession, Katelynn Truax got the Wildcats on the board with a goal at the 13:23 mark, finishing a strong offensive sequence to make it 14–1. The goal marked a positive stretch for SUNY Poly, as the team showed improved composure in transition and generated additional offensive looks.
However, Geneseo quickly regained control. The Knights responded with a series of goals, including tallies from Gabby Connors, Ava Mone, and Olivia Luchetti, while continuing to dominate draw controls and maintain pressure in the attacking third. Despite several saves from Thomas and defensive efforts from players like Lindsay Ellis and Rylie Fischer, Geneseo carried an 18–1 lead into the final quarter.
In the fourth, the Knights continued to push the pace offensively. Goals from Shannon Day and Emler extended the lead, followed by another man-up conversion and additional scoring from Doxsee and Olivia Luchetti. SUNY Poly continued to battle defensively, with Thomas making multiple saves in the closing minutes and players like Brinley Ronan and Ava Stoby contributing ground balls and caused turnovers.
The Wildcats were unable to generate additional scoring opportunities down the stretch, as Geneseo closed out the contest with a 23–1 victory.
