The State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer team will celebrate its seniors at its last home game this Saturday against Plattsburgh State following a game against SUNY Potsdam Friday.
The Hawks (2-10-1 overall, 4-1-1) celebrated their first State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) win Oct. 5 against The College at Brockport, 1-0. Sophomore forward Monika Morasse shot the ball into the Golden Eagles' net in the 18th minute and SUNY New Paltz held on to the lead until the end.
The Hawks returned the next day looking to continue their success facing SUNY Geneseo, but were ultimately defeated, 2-0. Although it suffered a loss, SUNY New Paltz was pleased with its improvement from the 2017 season when the Knights scored six goals to the Hawks' one. 
"The win on Brockport definitely inspired us on Geneseo and it's going to inspire us for this weekend because we've been working a lot on self confidence," said sophomore defender Kelsey Burns. "It was our first SUNYAC win, so it hyped us all up. We definitely came together as a team more and we know we can move forward with this."
SUNY New Paltz is focusing on each game individually rather than the weekend as a whole. In order to move to the quarterfinals and continue to play in the SUNYAC, the Hawks need to secure wins this weekend, as well as the following week.
SUNY Potsdam (10-2-1, 1-3-1) is currently second in the 2018 SUNYAC women's soccer standings, and Plattsburgh State (8-5, 3-2) sits in sixth. Although SUNY New Paltz lies in 10th, the Hawks believe they can secure a win against both teams. In the previous weeks, they have strengthened their defense and balanced their midfield, leading to improved plays and presses on the ball. As preparation for the weekend, SUNY New Paltz has shifted their focus to finishing in the box.
"This week we've been working on a lot of attacking, mentality, getting crosses in the box and really emphasizing making hard runs into the box and finishing," said junior midfielder Alex Wild.
Seniors Raven Blake, Rachael Purtell and Alicia Fanni will be honored before the kickoff Saturday for their hard work and dedication to the team they have supplied in their years as collegiate athletes.
"They're going to be tough games, and I think we're ready for them," said Burns. "We're definitely up for the challenge and we're gonna give it our all and see what comes out."
The Hawks are prepared for two wins on their home turf against SUNY Potsdam Friday at 4 p.m. and Plattsburgh State Saturday at 1 p.m.
The Hawks are set to take on the Bears Friday at 4 p.m. and then will conclude their road trip Saturday against the Cardinals at 1 p.m. To stay up to date with everything #NPHawks be sure to follow on Twitter at @nphawks, Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to our Youtube channel, New Paltz Hawks.
