NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – Looking for its best start in program history, the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team came up short down the stretch in a 62-52 loss to the New Paltz Hawks on Friday night.
 
The Cardinals were on top through the first half of play, leading 15-11 after the first quarter and outscoring the Hawks 13-10 in the second quarter.
 
It was the third and fourth quarters where things fell apart for Plattsburgh State. The Hawk defense was tight on Cardinal forward Devona Paul, double and triple covering the senior from Blauvelt, N.Y.
 
Plattsburgh State had the most trouble on the glass against the Hawks, surrendering 30 offensive boards leading to 19 second chance points for New Paltz.
 
The Cardinals were outscored by the Hawks 23-17 in the third and 18-7 in the fourth quarter.
 
Despite the tough coverage, Paul finished with 15 points, 17 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Teammate Stephanie Linder scored a team high 16 points, and added five boards and four assists in the Cardinal effort.
 
Kit Small paced the Hawks with 19 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Courtney Irby also played well in the win, tallying 10 points and 21 boards.
 
The Cardinals are now 4-1 (0-1 SUNYAC) on the season, while New Paltz improves to 5-2 (1-0 SUNYAC).
 
Plattsburgh State will look to rest up and regroup for Saturday's match up with the Oneonta Red Dragons in Oneonta at 2 p.m.