The State University of New York at New Paltz field hockey team is coming off its fourth win of the season Wednesday after going on the road and defeating Rensselear Polytechnic Institute, 3-2. The Hawks hope to carry of their momentum in an anticipated matchup against St. John Fisher College (3-1) Saturday.
 
"Being 4-1, after playing some really tough teams, we've really come together as a team," said SUNY New Paltz senior forward Selena Capsello. "We found out what we need to improve on, taking advantage of those opportunities and I'm excited to see what will come in the next game."
 
The Hawks have averaged nearly four goals per game, while allowing less than two against through five games. Their lone loss came in a tough contest against No. 9 Montclair State, and after defeating the Engineers on the road, they are confident they can give a tough Cardinals team a game and steal away another win.
 
"From playing them last year we know they have a lot of speed on attack and very skillful players, so we have to work on keeping possession, playing our quick game and taking relentless shots in the circle," Capsello said."
 
St. John Fisher handily defeated SUNY New Paltz, 3-0, on its home turf last season, but with the addition of a strong freshmen class, the Hawks have shown more depth and the potential to play with any team. Freshman Jessica Ascencao leads SUNY New Paltz with seven goals, but has been especially dangerous on corners, scoring four of her goals on the set play. 
 
"Jess has been ripping hard shots in the circle," Capsello said. "We've been tipping and we've been taking our opportunities on our rebounds and finishing each corner."
 
Meanwhile, defensively the Hawks have averaged just 11 shots against per game. Ryan Dowling earned her second start in the cage against RPI Wednesday and has shined in the opportunity, coming away with nine saves in the game. She was also named as the SUNYAC Defensive Player of the Week after her seven-save performance in a win over Stockton Sept. 8.
 
For the Cardinals, Bre Socker leads the team with five goals and an assist on 20 shots through four games. Ashley Maynard has started all four games in the cage and has averaged. 1.54 goals against with 38 saves. 
 
SUNY New Paltz is set to host St. John Fisher Saturday on the North Turf Field 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.