Box Score Buffalo, NY -- The State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer team traveled to Buffalo State Saturday and suffered a 3-0 loss.

The Bengals (3-4-2 overall, 2-0 SUNYAC) scored two goals within the first 15 minutes of the game, in the fifth and 13th minute, respectively. The Hawks (1-8, 0-2) responded by strengthening their defense, keeping the Bengals from their box and occasionally creating opportunities to move the ball up the field.

"It was a difficult opening weekend," said SUNY New Paltz coach Mike Eckberg. "Today we emphasized taking ownership and responsibility for the little details."

Buffalo State out-shot the Hawks, 21-6, in the game. Senior forward Rachael Purtell and freshman forward Danielle Angyal led the Hawks with two shots apiece, while they, and junior forward Nicole Sheintul recorded the only attempts on target, which came in the 64th, 86th and 31st minute, respectively.

Junior midfielder Alex Wild came the closest to scoring a goal for SUNY New Paltz, as her attempt from the right side hit off the crossbar in the 83rd minute. The Hawks spent the last 10 minutes of the game pressuring the Bengals in their box, but it wasn't enough to cut the deficit.

Junior goalkeeper Angela Ratka made her return after two weeks off the field due to a groin injury. She played the full 90 minutes and made eight saves on 11 shots faced.

"I believe in this group and their ability to respond," Eckberg said. "We have to focus on what we can control and our process."

SUNY New Paltz will travel to Oswego State to play the Lakers Friday at 4 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.