PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.—A first half goal was the difference in fourth-seeded Plattsburgh State's (10-7-1) 1-0 victory over the fifth-seeded SUNY Potsdam women's soccer team (8-9-1) in the first round of the SUNYAC Playoffs on Saturday afternoon. Senior goalie Delphine Léonard (Anjou, Quebec/Dawson College Prep) finished with six saves for the Bears.
 
The Cardinals came out firing in the first half at home. Plattsburgh took 12 shots in the opening 45 minutes, but Potsdam's defense limited the quality chances and only four found their way through to Léonard. However, Kirsten Villemaire made the most of her chance at 20:20 for what proved to be the game-winning goal.
 
Plattsburgh continued to press in the second half and their defense was stifling. Potsdam struggled to generate offensive opportunities, but the Bears defense and Léonard kept them in striking distance. Tough Cardinals play in the midfield, ran down the clock and finally clinched the win.
 
Julia Ennis made a save to earn the shutout for Plattsburgh, who will advance to face top seed SUNY Geneseo.
 
The contest marks the end of the careers of seniors Lexi LaBarge (Champion, N.Y./Copenhagen), Brennan Bruschini (Wilton, N.Y./South Glens Falls), Léonard, captain Ciara Norris (Syracuse, N.Y./Jamesville-DeWitt) and captain Augusta Hayner (Malta, N.Y./Ballston Spa). The Class of 2020 earned SUNYAC Playoff berths in three of their four seasons. Something that no other Potsdam women's soccer senior class has accomplished.