The Plattsburgh State women’s lacrosse team (2-15) celebrated its seniors in its final game of the season against Buffalo State (7-9).

In the game against the Bengals, the Cardinals were down five goals at the end of the first half. In the second half, PSUC looked to make a comeback, but the Bengals went on a 10-1 run to seal the deal. The Cards were defeated 6-19.

Bengals senior attacker Nina Schaefer led all scorers with six goals, scoring three in each half.

PSUC freshman attacker Emily Caoili and freshman attacker/midfielder Allie Vangas each scored two goals for the Cards.

PSUC head coach Julia Decker said she knew this game was going to be a challenge.

We definitely stayed with them in the first half, and it’s kind of the same old story. We got in that hole the last couple games. We get in those four or five goal holes to start off. We just didn’t have it in us to hang with them in the second half.”

The Cardinals said goodbye to three of their seniors, attacker/midfielder Mia Tallerico, defenders Kara Barber and Jenna Lazorischak.

Decker explained what it is was like coaching this group of seniors.

“This year, making the commitment with them to start the program, being part of that first team was really cool. To have them be part of it and being a senior to commit to that was really special,” Decker said. “This will be something they can take with them for the rest of their life. For them to say they helped start the women’s lacrosse program at Plattsburgh is special.

Tallerico said she faced many challenges in her last year.

“It was hard being on the road losing games that we could have played harder in. It was a wake up call for everyone because we did not know the bracket was going to be so challenging,” she said.

Looking forward, PSUC will look to work on various aspects of its game. The team will focus on finding an identity and build off its progress from this season.

Junior attacker, defender and midfielder Leah Herman discussed how she will improve for the next season.

“We learned what losing feels like and it is not a good feeling, but it has definitely motivated us to come back next year and play harder,” she said, “and I think we will come in with more confidence because we have one year under our belt.”

As the season comes to an end, players and coaches had closing words to say on a historical season.

Herman said some words about coach Decker.

“Coach Decker is starting a good program. This is just year one. There is more to come,” Herman said. “She is bringing in good players for next year, and I think we have a chance to improve our record.”

Tallerico had some words for the future team.

“It was great being a Cardinal. I will always support Plattsburgh. As an alumna, I will come back, donate, visit the games hopefully,” Tallerico said. “They have bright future ahead of them and they will improve tremendously.”

Decker thanked the team for as it closed its inaugural year.

“This was a really special year for us. It’s the first year of the program,” Decker said. “We made history this year, that was fun. This was awesome just to see this program come to life. We are off and running now, really excited for the future. This year, the 2018-2019 season, this team was a great group of people to be working with and to be a part and go through it with. I would like to give a shoutout to my girls and all the hard work they put in. That was definitely something truly special, and we are looking forward to the future of our program.”