Box Score Alfred, NY – The State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer team came out strong against the University of Rochester Saturday, scoring within the first two minutes of the match. However, a few defenses lapses ultimately proved crucial, as the Hawks (1-1) suffered a 2-1 extra time loss.
 
"I think for us to concede the first goal, we just got to be a little bit better," said SUNY New Paltz coach Mike Eckberg. "I think both goals were more of a team goal. They were more unforced errors than they were Rochester making a great play. But again, I think Rochester played really well. They were a great opponent for us to play this early in the year."
 
The Hawks, coming off a dominating 4-1 victory against host Alfred University on Friday, took their momentum into the opening minutes against the Yellowjackets.

Two minutes after the opening whistle senior Danielle Grossi notched her second goal of the season after putting one past Rochester goalie Madilynne Lee (three saves) to put her team up, 1-0.
 
"I think it sets a good standard, and again, we try and emphasize as much as we can that we try and set the tempo," Eckberg said. "Grossi scored a great goal in transition, caught the goalie out of position, so that was good. "
 
The Yellowjackets quickly countered, however, knotting up the score five minutes later following a goal by Hannah Wadsworth. 
 
"I felt like Rochester had moments," Eckberg said. "They certainly presented some difficulties on our back line in transition. They were really sound in their set pieces, which I think will be very teachable moments for us as we move forward."
 
The Hawks stay tough against Rochester, who was playing in its first game of the season. The Yellowjackets had the advantage in shots on goal (12-9), and corners (8-3), but SUNY New Paltz limited the pressure.
 
The Hawks created more chances down the stretch offensively, out-shooting Rochester 7-4 in the second half, but ultimately, 90 minutes ended with the score tied at one.
 
"Our number one core value is heart, and I felt like they really showcased that in the second half," Eckberg said. "I thought we were really composed when we were around the ball. We started getting really good rhythm to produce opportunities in our final third. Unfortunately, we didn't convert any of them. We need to be more patient in our final third. We're getting quality chances, but I think just the fact in that moment in the game, being 1-1, to produce and get those chances says a lot about the character. We're really excited and proud about that."
 
The Yellowjackets continued pressing in the extra minutes and put a shot on goalie Megan Tornatore (four saves), before Paige Gloster found the back of the net to seal the win.
 
"We certainly talked a lot about that there is another level in us," Eckberg said. "We set a really good level in our opening weekend and as we shift our focus to Ramapo on Wednesday we'll get back after it."
 
SUNY New Paltz will have a few days rest before facing Ramapo College in its season opener on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
 
Follow @nphawks for updates.