After closing out a 1-0 victory over Ramapo College in its home-opener Wednesday, the State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer team are back on the road Saturday to take on Western New England University in hopes of improving upon its 2-1 record.

"That was our first win on this new turf, so we're feeling pretty confident. We're ready to go into this weekend," Hawks senior midfielder Jackie Donaldson-Hawkins said. "We have a really good group of players this year, and we're confident about this win on Saturday."

SUNY New Paltz has played well in their first three games of the season. They rolled to a 4-1 win in their season-opener against Alfred University, but took their first loss in a tight, 2-1, decision against University of Rochester before getting back over .500 with the win over the Roadrunners.

Throughout all three contests the Hawks have done well creating dangerous opportunities in its final third, but the stress throughout the week of practice, especially following its victory Wednesday, was finishing on more of those chances.

"A lot of our emphasis has been on keeping our shape and moving forward, creating opportunities," Donaldson-Hawkins said. "We just really need to focus on finishing those opportunities when we're in front of the goal."

SUNY New Paltz developed numerous scoring chances against Ramapo, but only put away one goal in the contest, allowing the Roadrunners opportunities to get back in the game. Hawks coach Mike Eckberg reiterated the importance of taking advantage of plays in front of the net and putting some breathing room against opponents early.

"I think it was important for us to recognize that we have to capitalize on our early opportunities, and to not allow a game to stay as alive as it was," Eckberg said. "I think that is important, and they know we always emphasize there is another level in us and that is kind of where we are at."

SUNY New Paltz will try and break through a stout defensive unit for the Golden Bears that have allowed just three goals and 15 shots on net in their three games against Hartwick College, Utica College and Springfield College.

"I have told them that this will be one of the hardest working teams we will play this year," Eckberg said.  "I think they'll be very sound defensively. They have had some really close matches thus far and have really played a high level in their schedule so far in the season."

Western New England (0-2-1) is aiming to pick up its first win of the year, while the Hawks will try and notch their third victory of 2017. If they come out victorious, the win will match their total from the past two seasons combined.

SUNY New Paltz remains confident, but understands there is still plenty to continue working on.

"[Western New Englad] is a very hard working team, but so are we. So I think we can bring the intensity and match that," said senior midfielder Gabriela Cabello. "Some keys to come out with a win this weekend are to keep our positive attitude and keep the tempo of our game up pretty high, and we have to finish our opportunities as much as we can."

The Hawks and Golden Bears are set to kick off at 1p.m. Follow @nphawks on Twitter for live updates of the game.