Box Score New Paltz, NY -- The State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer's Monika Morasse set the tone for the game against The College at Brockport just 18 minutes into the game, as she launched the ball into the Golden Eagles net. Morasse, assisted by Nicole Sheintul, sent her shot through the narrow space between Brockport's goalie's outstretched fingertips, landing the ball in the back of the net for a definite score, which propelled the, 1-0 victory.
 
The Hawks (2-9-1 overall, 1-3-1) began the game hungry for a win, and proved how much more they wanted it than their opponents.
 
"We combined up the middle and found our forward, and she laid it off and I really saw the opportunity to shoot," explained Morasse of her go-ahead goal. "We're happy it went in to get a head-start in the game." 
 
The head-start ended with a shutout, as SUNY New Paltz displayed the composure and aggression they have been focusing on throughout the season. Weeks of perfecting combinations and pressing on the ball proved worthwhile as the Hawks put their  practice to work on the field.
 
SUNY New Paltz noticed many holes in the Golden Eagles' midfield and defense, which it exploited to keep the ball on the opponent's half of the field. The Hawks made careful plays and displayed tactful footwork that kept Brockport on its toes and constantly moving.
 
"The win today felt really deserved," said SUNY New Paltz goalkeeper Angela Ratka, who played the full 90 minutes after appearing sporadically throughout the season due to injury. "Being back just felt awesome. We really just put the best result out there today as a team."
 
The Golden Eagles out-shot the Hawks, 18-7, but all were deflected. Twelve of Brockport's shots were on SUNY New Paltz's goal, but were saved by Ratka. The Hawks were more precise with their shots on net, which were comprised of good services and near scores, as they finished with five on the day.
 
"I think we did a good job of capitalizing on the opportunities that we did get," said SUNY New Paltz coach Mike Eckberg. "As the game wore on I felt that our midfield did a really good job of winning their individual and collective battles."
 
Through noticing the lack of consolidation Brockport possessed, sophomore Taylor Filippone and junior Alex Wild made positive presses on the ball, sending the ball to their forwards every time it crept back to the Hawks' side of the field.
 
The Golden Eagles created some movement onto SUNY New Paltz's half in the last 20 minutes of the game, but the Hawks maintained the aggression they proved to possess since the first minute. Four of Brockport's shots came in the last 20 minutes of regulation, but the Hawks were determined for a second win on their home turf. A last shot by Golden Eagles' Krista Statt in the final minute threatened overtime, but was sent high over the goalpost and secured a win for SUNY New Paltz.
 
"Based on today, I think we're going to come out just as hard if not harder because now we have that confidence after getting that W," Ratka said. "I think it's going to be a really good game tomorrow. We're playing the top team in the conference so it's going to be a good one."

The Hawks return to the South Turf Saturday at 1 p.m. to face off against SUNY Geneseo.

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