NEW PALTZ, NY -- The State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer team will host its first SUNYAC double header of the season this week when Buffalo State and Fredonia State come to the South Turf Field. The Hawks will play the Bengals Friday evening at 4 p.m. and the Blue Devils Saturday at 1 p.m.

SUNY New Paltz enters the weekend coming off a 4-0 loss to SUNY Oneonta last Saturday. The Hawks are 3-5-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play. 

"After a tough loss last weekend, I think we're all ready to get back at it," said Hawks senior Alex Wild. "There has been a lot of positive energy in this week's practice." 

Buffalo State most recently avenged a 2-0 loss to Potsdam with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over the Cardinals of Plattsburgh State. The Bengals are 4-5-1 overall and 1-1 in the SUNYAC.

"Buffalo State is really aggressive, so we know that we have to bring that same energy into the game," Wild said. "We just have to come to compete."

"We need to aggressively go after every 50/50 ball," added Hawks keeper Megan Tornatore. "We also need to be smart and tactical playing against Buffalo State."

Fredonia will travel to Oneonta Friday before coming to the South Turf Field on Saturday. The Blue Devils hold an overall record of 4-4-1 and are unbeaten in conference play including a 3-3 tie against Plattsburgh State and a 2-1 overtime victory over Potsdam. SUNY Fredonia defeated SUNY New Paltz, 3-1 in 2018. 

"We have a lot to make up for against Fredonia after last year's loss," Tornatore said. "Coming out with confidence and being aggressive will be important." 

Historically, the Hawks are 5-8-5 against the Bengals dating back to 2002, including an undefeated 4-0-4 mark at home. After a 3-1 SUNY New Paltz victory in 2017, the Bengals shut out the Hawks, 3-0 in 2018. 

The Blue Devils and SUNY New Paltz are evenly matched historically. Since 2002, the Hawks are 9-10-1 against Fredonia, but are 6-3 against the Blue Devils on South Turf Field and was last victorious in 2017 in a 3-1 win. The two teams have alternated victories each year since 2013. 

Fredonia has scored more goals than any other team in in SUNYAC play, finding the back of the net five times in its first two games. Including their non-conference schedule, the Blue Devils have scored 23 goals in 2019, which trails only the Bears who have scored 26.

The Hawks are second in the conference (including non-conference play) in shot percentage, shooting the ball at a .147 clip. The only team shooting at a higher percentage is Fredonia, which has shot at a .180 clip.

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