New Paltz Steal One at Kean: Parker’s Late Winner Sends the Hawks to the NJAC Semis

Some wins you dominate. This wasn’t one of them, and that makes it better. Fifth-seeded SUNY New Paltz went to fourth-seeded Kean on Monday night, got outshot 22-6, gave up nine penalty corners to their two, and still walked out with a 2-1 win and a place in the NJAC semifinals.

The Hawks struck first, and fast. McGough put them ahead 1-0 with just 8:14 gone, finishing off an assist from O’Keefe, and for a while that looked like it might be enough. Kean threw everything at them after that. The pressure finally told, the hosts levelled, and with the clock ticking down it felt like the team that had done all the attacking would find a way.

Then, with 3:51 left, Parker did it. O’Keefe connected with Caydence Parker at 56:09, and Parker delivered the winner that sent New Paltz through. It’s the program’s first NJAC Tournament win in school history, in their inaugural season as NJAC members, which is a lovely line for a team that had no right to win this one on the numbers.

That’s the thing about knockout hockey. Kean won the shot count, won the corner count, and lost the game. New Paltz won the moments that mattered. McGough led the Hawks with four shots, three on goal. Parker had two attempts, both on target, and the second one ended Kean’s season.

Next up is the hard part. New Paltz travel to top-seeded Rowan on Wednesday at 6 p.m., against a side chasing a sixth straight NJAC crown. Rowan beat New Paltz 3-0 in the regular season. Nobody will pick the Hawks. After Monday night, that probably suits them just fine.