The Women’s soccer team’s record dropped to 1-7 after suffering a 2-0 loss against Vassar College.
Ever since their season opening win against Purchase College on Sept. 1, the team has not managed to add to the win column.
The team lost both of their matchups this week as they went up against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Sept. 19, and Vassar College on Sept. 22.
The Engineers defeated the Hawks 1-0 in an overtime win. Despite the efforts of Hawks third-year goalkeeper Mikaela Sticklickas — the Engineer’s third-year forward Cori Winslow sealed the game halfway into the overtime period by getting a shot past Sticklickas.
Sticklickas was a large factor in the defense, as she stopped every shot faced in regulation to keep the Hawks alive.
The Hawks were outshot 13-7 and outnumbered 5-4 in corner kicks. Hawks third-year midfielder Hannah Moran led the way with three shots on goal and third-year midfielder Skye Kaler and second-year midfielder Danielle Grossi added two shots apiece.
Sticklickas stood strong between the post by making five saves and playing 95:55 in her first start this season after returning from an injury.
The Hawks went on to face Vassar College in the hopes of ending their six game losing streak. However, the team was unable to win as they were defeated 2-0 on two second half goals by Vassar first-year forward Audrey Pillsbury and first-year midfielder and forward Rebecca Andrews.
Vassar outshot the Hawks 32-9, but only nine shots were on goal. They also held a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Hawks second-year forward Gabriela Cabello and Kaler led the offense with three shots. Hawks fourth-year midfielder Chelsea Weir, second-year defender Alexa Appel and fourth-year co-Captain Kristina Gandolfo each tallied one shot as well.
Hawks Head Coach Colleen Bruley said she has never seen the team fight as hard as they did in the game against Vassar.
“I see them working harder for each other, which is a major improvement from the first few games,” Bruley said.
Despite not getting their way in the first few games, there is still a sense of optimism among the players as they are finding their touch, especially going into SUNYAC play.
Hawks fourth-year co-Captain Allie Festa said the team chemistry has been improving.
“We are finally getting into a rhythm,” Festa said. “We are playing more cohesively together and the team is starting to mesh. We need to tweak a few things such as finishing, shooting and staying tight in the back but the speed of play in the overall game is much better.”
The improved play the team has despite their losing efforts is exactly what the players need going into SUNYAC play.
Bruley said that the team has been working on moving forward and system of play. In order to keep doing so, she said the players have to score goals.
“We have the talent, we just have to continue to put it together,” she said. “Every practice has been really productive. Hopefully when we get that goal that we haven’t scored in weeks, the players will feel like they won the World Cup. It makes triumph better when you are going through adversity.”
Festa believes that the team can take their work ethic and apply it to their upcoming games.
“We have been practicing hard and been working out everyday,” she said. “We have to mentally prepare ourselves and push our abilities to the limit. The teams are always tough, but I believe in the talent and work ethic this team has.”
The Hawks look to rebound in their upcoming matches this weekend as they begin SUNYAC play for the rest of the season. They will host SUNY Cortland on Sept. 25 and SUNY Oswego on Sept. 26 at Alumni Field.