The State University of New York at New Paltz has another opportunity to knock off a ranked opponent Saturday, as it travels across the river to face No. 8 Vassar College.
 
The Hawks (2-1) suffered their first loss of the season Wednesday in their home-opener against Montclair State, which was ranked No. 13 in the National Filed Hockey Coaches Association [NFHCA] preseason poll.
 
The Red Hawks put away an early goal to gain the lead at the end of the first quarter, but from that point on the hosting Hawks took control of the game. They dominated possession, out-shot Montclair and also held the advantage on corners, but they couldn't translate anything into a game-equalizing goal leading to a tough, 1-0 loss. 
SUNY New Paltz coach Shanna Szablinski stressed the importance of being more aggressive on the offensive end, and the Hawks will no doubt look to take that sentiment into their game against the Brewers.
 
Vassar, then ranked No. 6 in the country, visited SUNY New Paltz late last season and through tumultuous weather conditions, came away with a 2-0 victory. The Hawks hope to repay the favor this season on the Brewers home turf where they have yet to lose in 2019.
 
Coming off two wins to open the year, Vassar has only given up a goal, while out-scoring the opposition, 7-1. The Brewers defeated Stevens Institute of Technology, 3-0 and most recently rolled to a 4-1 win over the Hawks' SUNYAC rival, SUNY Geneseo.
 
Six different players have registered a goal for the Brewers, led by sophomore midfielder Emma Williard with two. Jules Smith and Liz Rotolo has each earned a start in goal with Smith totaling 11 saves in just more than 55 minutes played and Rotolo recording six saves in about 65 minutes.
 
Meanwhile, Ryan Dowling has started all three games, playing every second for the Hawks in goal. The sophomore from East Northport, NY has faced 16 shots, making 10 saves with one shutout.
 
Carly Croteau leads SUNY New Paltz offensively with two goals and an assist. She was named as the season's first PrestoSports SUNYAC Offensive Athlete of the Week after helping the Hawks to two wins in their opening weekend. Morgan Gunter follows Croteau offensively with two goals, while Natasia Plunkett and Jessica Ascencao each totaled one apiece thus far.
 
SUNY New Paltz is to take on the Brewers Saturday at 1 p.m.  

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