The State University of New York at New Paltz field hockey team is looking to put an end to its three-game losing skid Saturday, as it kicks off State University of New York at New Paltz (SUNYAC) play against visiting Morrisville State.

"Heading into this weekend it is going to be really important that we work as a team, communicate and really work as a unit, move together and focus on our main goal, which is to start off the SUNYAC play strong and come out with a win on our home turf," said Hawks senior back Maggie Cottrell.

After starting the season winning four of its first five games, SUNY New Paltz (4-4) has dropped its last three contests against perennial programs, Skidmore College, St. John Fisher College and No. 10 nationally ranked University of Rochester. The Hawks took both the Thoroughbreds and Cardinals into overtime, coming back late in both outings to knock in the game-tying goal, but could not pull away with victories. Against the undefeated Yellowjackets, SUNY New Paltz couldn't generate enough offense to hang around late and ultimately took its fourth loss, 4-1.

"Moving forward we really need to work on communicating together, working together, not letting anyone slide and holding each other accountable throughout practice [and] throughout games," Cottrell said.

With conference play underway Saturday, the Hawks are anxious to return to the field and get back over .500. They have a good opportunity to do so against the Mustangs, a team SUNY New Paltz hasn't lost to since 2009.

"We can't wait. SUNYAC's is the best part of the entire season," Cottrell said. "It's always the most competitive part. We're always watching the other teams play and really scouting the other teams, but focusing on what we need to do together. Every year we have a different team, but this year we're really working hard as a unit and working hard together. We're very cohesive together and we're going to be strong and confident this weekend to pull off this win."

After netting 13 goals in their first two games, the Hawks were limited to 12 in their last six outings, including two goals in their last two contests. Freshman Jessica Ascencao leads the team with eight goals and an assist, while sophomore Carly Croteau follows with six goals and an assist.

Defensively, a young group for SUNY New Paltz has allowed about two goals per game and has averaged just more than 15 shots per game. Freshman Ryan Dowling has gotten the last five starts for the Hawks and accumulated 54 saves with a .783 save percentage.

Morrisville State enters the game with a 1-5 overall record, its only win coming in a non-conference game at home against Lancaster Bible Sept. 8. The Mustangs started SUNYAC action Saturday against SUNY Geneseo and fell, 10-0. Brianna Fischetti leads Morrisville State offensively with four goals and an assist, with Heather Cummings following with three goals and an assist. Morgan Dueber has played every minute in the cage for the Mustangs, totaling 96 saves with a .727 save percentage.

The Hawks are set to take on Morrisville State 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.