NEW PALTZ, NY -- There are bounce-back wins, and then there are bounce-back 9-0 routs. The State University of New York New Paltz women's soccer team chose the latter, as the Hawks avenged an 0-2 opening weekend with a 9-0 victory in their home opener over SUNY Old Westbury Wednesday evening.

"We all came out fired up and ready to play," said SUNY New Paltz freshman forward Ally Donovan. "We were really able to connect and finish our opportunities."

The last time the Hawks scored nine goals in a game was Oct. 11, 2006, when they shut out SUNYIT 9-0. They put eight goals on the scoreboard in 2017 against John Jay College. In 2012, the last time SUNY New Paltz squared off against SUNY Old Westbury, the Hawks won by a mark of 7-0. Wednesday they had seven goals in just 70 minutes. The Hawks scored six goals in all of 2018.
 

"Right from warmups, we were really intense," said SUNY New Paltz senior midfielder Alex Wild. "And that showed on the field. We were all fired up the whole time, on the bench, too. Everyone helped make a difference today." 

The Hawks had eight different players score a goal in the victory, emphasizing the team's depth and versatility. Goals were scored by Siena Diaz-Colon (6'), Sky Pedroza (31'), Katie Buquicchio (32'), Donovan (49', 86'), Cailin Ruoti (53'), Wild (66'), Kristin Lasker (70'), and Erika McCue (82').

Donovan said, "Everyone on this team is really technical and able to beat players one-on-one. We are capable of making a final pass, and that really showed today."

After starting the season 0-2, Hawks coach Mike Eckberg emphasized the importance of building on different attacking patterns to be more fluid in the offensive third.Wednesday they executed that approach, as they fired 34 shots and put 14 on target. 

"We were very composed on the ball today," Wild said. "We had a lot of opportunities that we capitalized on, and we were able to finish with nine goals which was amazing."

To complement the offensive breakthrough, the Hawks' defense put on a stellar performance as well. SUNY New Paltz did not allow the Panthers to take a single shot. SUNY Old Westbury entered the game having scored four goals in its first contest against SUNY Cobleskill.

"I felt that our back line worked well as a unit," Eckberg said. "Our first and second defender were providing good coverage for one another which limited their [Old Westbury's] opportunities."

The Hawks will look to even their record Saturday when Skidmore College comes to New Paltz for a 1:00 p.m. showdown. The Thoroughbreds are 2-0 with wins over Curry College and William Paterson University. 

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