Box Score

Cortland, NY -- The State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer team was narrowly defeated by The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) rival, SUNY Cortland Saturday, 1-0.

The Hawks (overall 1-9-1, 0-3-1 conference) showed aggression from the start, a goal they had set out to do during the week. In only the second minute of the game, sophomore forward Monika Morasse made the first shot. Although the ball veered to the wide right rather than the net, the play proved SUNY New Paltz was earnest for a win.

The ball spent equal time between the teams for the first half, but the Hawks were the first to make an attempt on goal. In the 27th minute, sophomore midfielder Taylor Filippone charged SUNY Cortland's (6-3-1, 2-1-0) goal, but was ultimately saved by Red Dragon goalkeeper Danika Svendsen. SUNY Cortland made two attempts on SUNY New Paltz's goal in the 35th and 41st minute, but both were saved by sophomore goalkeeper Megan Tornatore.

Midfielders Filippone, senior Raven Blake and sophomore Jessica Levinson displayed their ability to be dynamic and dictate the tempo of the game by possessing the ball from the Red Dragons. Keeping the midfield balanced was a focus in practice the previous week, along with pressing the ball and executing plays.

The second half was just as tight as the first, but the Hawks continued their aggressive play. Junior midfielder Jessica Fox made SUNY New Paltz's third shot on goal of the game only 11 minutes into the second half. For the first time this season, the Hawks out-shot the opposition, as they had an 11-9 advantage over SUNY Cortland in shots during the game.

The turning point came in the 73rd minute when the only goal of the game was scored. The ball rebounded after a free kick, was possessed by SUNY Cortland's Amanda Lobban and passed to Hilaria Hernandez who slipped it into the Hawks' net. SUNY New Paltz responded vigorously, with Filippone making her second shot on goal in the 74th minute. The game ended suspensefully, as Morasse made the Hawks' last shot on goal with only 19 seconds left in the game, but it wasn't enough to make up the deficit.

"It was an inspiring performance today," said SUNY New Paltz coach Mike Eckberg. "As a team they put themselves on the line. There is a lot to be excited [about] as we move forward."

SUNY New Paltz will compete at home against The College at Brockport Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. on the South Turf Field. 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.