NEW PALTZ, NY -- After a nail-biting contest that resulted in a tie against Skidmore Sept. 7, the State University of New York New Paltz women's soccer team is set for a pair of games this weekend. On Saturday the Hawks (1-2-1) will face Manhattanville at 1 p.m., and on Sunday they'll stay on the road to play Fairleigh Dickinson-Florham at 3 p.m.  

"We're all doing pretty well," Hawks defender Erika McCue said. "We've been working really hard in practice, and coach has been pushing us hard. We've been keeping up the positive energy, so I think we're looking pretty good for Saturday." 

The Valiants will enter Saturday's match 1-3 after losses to Saint Joseph (Conn.), Drew, and John Jay. Their lone win came Wednesday night in a 7-0 victory over Lehman. 

The Devils enter the weekend 4-0-1 with wins over New Jersey City University, Ramapo College, Kean University, and Centenary University and a 2-2 draw against William Paterson. Fairleigh Dickinson-Florham will take on Marywood University Saturday before playing the Hawks Sunday. 

"We're really excited coming off the draw [against Skidmore]," Hawks forward Sky Pedroza said. "We had a lot of opportunities in that game, and heading into Saturday we're going to focus on our through balls and our energy on the field."

SUNY New Paltz heads into the weekend not having played a game in a week. The players feel rested and prepared for the two-game stretch. 

"I think having a week off is actually good for us," McCue said. "It allows us to mentally prepare for the weekend, and we're all well-rested. Everyone is looking forward to it."

The Hawks are 8-4-2 against Manhattanville dating back to 2002 and have defeated the Valiants in back-to-back seasons. SUNY New Paltz is 0-2 against Fairleigh Dickinson-Florham since 2004, including a 1-0 loss last September.

Hawks coach Mike Eckberg and his squad have already scored more goals this season than they did in 2018, and this weekend they can match or exceed 2018's win total. 

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