The Women’s soccer team finished their season at home with a scoreless tie and a win.
In their second-to-last game of the season, the Hawks recorded their third scoreless tie — this time, against State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) opponent Buffalo State. This was Buffalo State’s first conference loss of the season.
Hawks third-year goalkeeper Mikaela Stiklickas recorded seven saves in goal for her fourth shutout of the season.
The next day, the Hawks defeated SUNY Fredonia 2-1.
After a scoreless first half, the Hawks struck in the 51st minute on a goal from third-year co-Captain Sloane Lipshie that came off a feed from fourth-year midfielder Chelsea Weir.
The Blue Devils answered back with a game-tying goal from third-year forward Alexis Moreland. However, eight minutes later Lipshie snuck past Fredonia’s defense to score the game-winning goal — her second of the game.
Despite a strong two-goal performance in the season finale by Lipshie, the Hawks were not able to clinch a berth in the 2015 SUNYAC Championship Tournament. They needed one more point to make the playoffs.
Hawks Head Coach Colleen Bruley said she was proud of her team even though they did not achieve the goals they had desired.
“They worked extremely hard and all of their hard work finally gave us a great weekend,” Bruley said. “I love this team. We had a lot of fun and I really wished for more success for them.”
With their win, the Hawks closed out the 2015 season with a 3-11-3 overall record and a 2-4-3 SUNYAC tally.
The Hawks will be graduating four members of their team.
Going into next season, Bruley said the team will look to bring in dedicated players who have the ability to score goals and give their younger, developing players a chance to gain a starting position in the lineup.
Hawks third-year midfielder Kaite Mulry says the team will be more dedicated to staying in shape, as it will affect their gameplay.
“I plan on lifting with my teammates and staying in shape for spring season,” Mulry said. “Next season is a new year and I’m looking forward to it. I’m very confident that the developing players will also be able to work hard to earn a starting position.”
Bruley said the Hawks look to bounce back in the spring with a younger and stronger team. Even though the team is losing some key players that had a large impact on the team over the past four years, the Hawks are optimistic about their future, she said.
“We want players who have the same ideas and values that we hold as a team,” Bruley said. “Those are the type of players that will fit well with our current players, and we look forward to building a team that I know can be successful here at New Paltz.”