The State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer team will travel to Fredonia Friday to play its first SUNYAC game of the season against the Blue Devils (2-4), followed by a match against Buffalo State (1-4-2) Saturday.
The Hawks (1-6) feel confident going into their first conference match after playing three home games in the past week, especially after the first home goal was scored Saturday by senior Raven Blake against Manhattanville College, leading the team to a 1-0 win. 
"Going into this weekend's first conference game against Fredonia, the energy has just been growing more and more positive and I think that the belief we have in our self is just growing," said sophomore Kristin Lasker. "It was a really hard fought battle on our part from Sunday's game and I think after the result that happened is just fueling us to really push ourselves for this upcoming weekend and we think that that game has prepared us immensely for the conference games."
Despite the loss to Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham Sunday, SUNY New Paltz felt the game provided opportunities to improve. The match was close, going into double overtime; the only goal was scored in the 103rd minute by the Devils. The Hawks executed strong defense, but are looking to build on their attack and moving the ball from the back, through the midfield and to the forwards, as well as focusing on communication.
SUNY New Paltz defeated both Fredonia and Buffalo, 3-1, respectively, during the 2017 season, and are looking forward to continue their success this weekend.
"We are just really excited to go into our first SUNYAC game," said Blake. "We have been preparing for this moment all season long. We have gotten rid of all our little butterflies, our nerves, so I really think that our excitement is really going to show on the field, and hopefully bring us home a win."
SUNY New Paltz will face Fredonia State Friday at 3:15 p.m. and Buffalo State at 1 p.m. Saturday. To stay up to date with everything #NPHawks be sure to follow on Twitter at @nphawks, Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to ourYoutube channel,New Paltz Hawks.
