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The New Paltz women’s soccer team continued State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) play the past two weeks, going 0-1-3 by losing to Fredonia, Buffalo State and SUNY Cortland, while tying Oswego State in a double overtime thriller.
In a tightly contested first half against the Blue Devils, Fredonia jumped ahead at the 10:42 mark on a goal by fourth-year midfielder Abby Price, assisted by first-year midfielder Sophie Richiusa. However, New Paltz answered back 20 minutes later with a goal of their own by fourth-year forward Rachael Purtell, assisted by third-year forward Annaliese Gorr, evening the score heading into the half.
In the second half, Fredonia’s second-year goalkeeper Abbey Monahan saved all three Hawks shots, while the Blue Devils tallied a pair of goals in rapid succession to seal the 3-1 victory.
The next day on Sept. 22, the Hawks headed to Buffalo State.
New Paltz fell behind from the opening kick off, as two goals within the first 15 minutes by first-year midfielder Alexis Hanson would be more than enough for the Bengals. However, Buffalo didn’t hold back, smashing 21 shots to the Hawks just six. First-year forward Allie Reeds added the dagger at 52:28, a penalty kick, to give Buffalo State the eventual 3-0 victory.
The following week, the Hawks made their way to Oswego State on Sept. 28 and SUNY Cortland on Sept. 29.
The Hawks were on defense for much of their match against Oswego State as they tallied only six shots to the Lakers 23. However, second-year goalkeeper Megan Tornatore put on a clinic, saving all nine of Cortland’s shots on target.
The game would move into overtime, and eventually double overtime as the Lakers continued to put the pressure on New Paltz, amassing 12 corner kicks over the span of the game, including three in overtime. The Hawks were able to hold their line, keeping Oswego out of the net and resulting in a 0-0 tie in double overtime.
“Experiencing double OT this season brought out another level in us. We really dug deep and played with heart and grit,” said Hawks fourth-year midfielder Raven Blake. “Despite exhaustion and injuries, we refused to stop fighting until the very last whistle blew. Although we didn’t get a goal, I saw each player’s love for the game during the Oswego match and especially in OT.”
New Paltz then moved onto their final match of the week against the Cortland Red Dragons.
In an uneventful first half, New Paltz and Cortland were toe to toe, as the Hawks recorded 5 shots to Cortland’s 6.
A goal at 73:15, by Cortland first-year forward Hillaria Hernandez would be the only of the game, securing the victory for the Red Dragons.
“Every practice they come with a positive mindset, always coming in with things that we need to work on to improve,” Tornatore said. “They are constantly believing in our abilities and putting in so much work through film and extra sessions.”
The Hawks return home this week where they will continue SUNYAC play against the College at Brockport on Oct. 5 and SUNY Geneseo on Oct. 6.
“I think as a team, we played some of our best soccer all year this past weekend,” said Hawks head coach Mike Eckberg. “Two of our seniors, Raven Blake and Rachael Purtell have been instrumental in the team’s attitude and work rate. Overall, the team’s demeanor continues to look forward, continues to show up every day at training with a blue collar work rate and that is all we could ask for.”