After a dominant opening weekend where the State University of New York at New Paltz field hockey team rolled to two wins over Utica College and St. Lawrence University, the Hawks have their toughest test thus far in their young season against a talented Monclair State team, which was ranked No. 13 nationally in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association [NFHCA] preseason poll.
 
SUNY New Paltz (2-0) has beaten the Red Hawks just once in 17 matchups with its only win coming in 2015. Last season, the Hawks fought back to cut into Montclair's early 2-0 lead, but ultimately fell short, 2-1. Despite the loss, SUNY New Paltz played one of their most complete games of the season.
 
The Hawks out-shot the Red Hawks, 19-11 in the game and also had the advantage on penalty corners, 6-4, but Monclair's goalie, Nicole Andriani came up big with 11 saves to help keep her team's cushion and push them toward a 2-1 win. 
Like SUNY New Paltz, Monclair is coming off a hot start to its 2019 season. The Red Hawks opened up with two home wins against RPI and MIT where they out-scored the opposition, 9-1.
 
Montclair has six players with at least three points on the year thus far, led by junior Kellie Vizzuso's five. Andriani, meanwhile, continues to start for the Red Hawks and has registered five saves in 105 minutes played with two wins.
 
Junior Carly Croteau has led SUNY New Paltz offensively thus far. She earned the season's first SUNYAC Offensive Athlete of the Week after pacing the team in goals (2) and points (5) after playing all but five minutes in the Hawks' two victories. Sophomore Morgan Gunter followed with two goals and four points, while freshman Natasia Plunkett and reigning SUNYAC Rookie of the Year Jessica Ascencao added a goal apiece.
 
Sophomore Ryan Dowling held her own in net, facing nine shots and making nine saves during the two contests for a .833 save percentage. She will undoubtedly be tested against a strong Monclair offensive unit.
 
SUNY New Paltz is set to host the Red Hawks Wednesday at 4 p.m. on the North Turf Field.

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