CORTLAND, N.Y. –  Playing for the first time in 671 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the young Russell Sage College field hockey team began its season with a 12-0 setback at SUNY Cortland.

The Gators, which have ten newcomers compared to just five returnees on the roster, received a combined 13 saves from freshman goalkeeper Anna Church (Ludlow, VT/Green Mountain Union) (9) and senior goalkeeper Abigayle Greier (Elma, NY/Iroquois Central) (4) in the opener.

Freshman forward Keirra Ettere led SUNY Cortland, picked to finish third in the preseason SUNYAC poll, with three goals and three assists.

Looking ahead, both teams are scheduled to be in action on Saturday afternoon.  Sage (0-1) has its home opener at 1:00 pm vs. Medaille. The non-conference game will be played at Afirms Sports Park. Meanwhile, the Red Dragons (1-0) visit Montclair State at 3:00 pm.

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