The State University of New York at New Paltz heads into its final conference weekend with a postseason berth on the line, hosting Plattsburgh State and SUNY Potsdam Friday and Saturday, respectively.
 
The Hawks (2-5 overall, 8-7 SUNYAC) currently sit eighth in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) standings after a disappointing two-game stretch that resulted in a pair of losses. SUNY New Paltz gave up seven goals in the two defeats against SUNY Geneseo and The College at Brockport last weekend, and is currently on a three-game losing skid. 
 
"Last weekend was pretty disappointing for us," said Hawks senior goalkeeper Declan Costello. "We really learned a lot from it and we went over a bunch of video. We're working on our defensive shape and our finishing, and the final balls in. I think we've worked on it pretty well and I think we've improved on it and it will show this weekend."
 
The Cardinals (9-6, 6-1) have already clinched a playoff spot with 18 points in conference, falling to just Buffalo State in SUNYAC play. Since that loss on Sept. 28, Plattsburgh has won six-straight and hasn't lost in October yet.
 
Offensively, the Cardinals have scored the second-most goals in conference play with 12, averaging nearly two goals per game, while defensively they arguably have one the best units in the SUNYAC. Plattsburgh has given up a league-best three goals against in conference play and has totaled five-straight clean sheets.
 
Junior goalkeeper Ryan Wilson owns the most minutes in net, totaling 42 saves in 12 starts. Freshman forward Devin Lambe paces the Cardinals with six goals and two assists, followed by freshman forward Cole Weiner with five goals and an assist, while junior midfielder Cameron Richards leads the team in assists with seven.
 
"Plattsburgh is one of the top teams in the SUNYAC right now," Costello said. "We know they are going to come out wanting to beat us, wanting to put us away for the season, so I expect it's going to be a tough game, but we've played tough games all season. We know we can fight through and win them." 
 
Following their matchup with Plattsburgh, the Hawks face the Bears (1-6, 3-12-1) who are the only team already eliminated from postseason play. Last season, SUNY New Paltz defeated Potsdam, 4-0 and own a 19-8-2 advantage in head-to-head matchups. However, they aren't overlooking the Bears Saturday, whose lone SUNYAC victory came against the Bengals Sept 27.
 
"I know Potsdam isn't an easy team to just beat either, because any team in the SUNYAC can beat any other team on any given day, so we will have to come out ready to play on both ends," Costello said. "I expect six points this weekend. It 's six points or bust. We need to win both games and I expect us to get it done."
 
Saturday's contest will also serve as SUNY New Paltz's Senior Day, honoring its four seniors: Luke Dole, Coltan Goodwine, Gordon Walker and Costello.
 
"Over the past four years this team has meant everything," Costello said. "It is family. It's hard work. It teaches you about life honestly, and I wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else to experience this four years."
 
Additionally, Saturday will also be a "Green Out Game," with the Hawks asking fans to wear green in supporting mental health awareness.
 
SUNY New Paltz is set to face the Cardinals Friday at 3 p.m. on the South Turf Field, and then will take on the Bears Saturday at 1 p.m.

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