NEW PALTZ, NY -- The State University of New York New Paltz women's soccer team will look to pick up its first SUNYAC victory of the season Friday against SUNY Cortland at 4 p.m. on New Paltz's South Turf Field. The Hawks will stay at home on Saturday to face Oswego State at 1 p.m.

SUNY New Paltz enters the weekend carrying an overall record of 3-6-2 and a conference record of 0-2-1. Last weekend the Hawks fell to Buffalo State in dramatic fashion, as the Bengals scored a walk-off goal in overtime to win 1-0. On Saturday, SUNY New Paltz jumped out to a 2-0 first-half lead over Fredonia State, but a sluggish start to the second half allowed the Blue Devils to earn a draw. 

Following the game, Hawks coach MIke Eckberg stressed the importance of learning from mistakes made last weekend. His players have received the message. 

"It's important to learn that if we score the first goal, we have to keep the lead," said SUNY New Paltz sophomore Cailin Ruoti. "If we get scored on first, we have to pick our heads up quickly and get it right back."

SUNY Cortland travels to New Paltz with an overall record of 5-5-1 and a SUNYAC record of 2-0-1, including victories over Brockport and Oswego. Historically, the Red Dragons have had the Hawks' number. Dating back to 2002, SUNY New Paltz is 3-11-5 against SUNY Cortland. The Hawks last defeated the Red Dragons in 2011. 

"We know that Cortland presses hard, and they're very fast," said Hawks sophomore Danielle Angyal. "Communication is key because that way everyone knows where the ball is going before they get it which will help prevent unnecessary turnovers."

Oswego State will play SUNY Oneonta Friday before coming to New Paltz. The Lakers head into Friday with an overall record of 2-9 and a conference mark of 0-3, falling to SUNY Geneseo, The Colleget at Brockport, and SUNY Cortland. Dating back to 2002, the Hawks are 6-9-2 when playing the Lakers. SUNY New Paltz was last victorious in 2015 when it won 1-0.

"It's important that we don't give up dumb defensive mistakes," Angyal said. "Free kicks and corner kicks in our defensive third have burnt us before. We need strong clearances on those plays."

The Red Dragons have scored six goals in conference play, putting them at a tie for fifth in SUNYAC goals scored. The Lakers have not found the back of the net in conference play this season.

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