NEW PALTZ, NY -- After picking up its first win of 2019 Wednesday, the State University of New York New Paltz women's soccer team will look to even its record to 2-2 Saturday at 1:00 p.m. against Skidmore. 

The Thoroughbreds will travel to New Paltz holding a 2-0 record with victories over Curry College and William Paterson University. 

"We need this win to continue our winning streak," said Hawks freshman midfielder Jill Dantona after practice Friday morning. "Skidmore is going to challenge us tactically and technically, so we'll need to find seams in the midfield and play together." 

SUNY New Paltz will enter Saturday's game coming off a 9-0 win over SUNY Old Westbury. Although there are tactical points of emphasis, such as breaking lines more frequently and efficiently, the key to staying hot will be the team's energy level.

Dantona said, "We need to come in with a lot of energy on the field, on the bench, everywhere. We need to press every ball and work our hardest to win every battle.  

The Hawks have lost five of its last six contests against Skidmore dating back to 2002. Most recently, SUNY New Paltz fell to the Thoroughbreds 3-0 at Skidmore in 2018. 

"Practice has been much better the past couple days," said Hawks freshman midfielder Katie Buquicchio. "We're all coming together and getting on the same page with what we have to do to beat them."

Skidmore finished the 2018 season with a record of 8-7, before falling to St. Lawrence in the Liberty League Tournament quarterfinals. The Thoroughbreds graduated five seniors after the 2018 season, but their top goal scorer, junior Yasmine Boukari, is back in action, as she has found the back of the net twice in 2019. 

"Skidmore is a fantastic team in the Liberty League," said SUNY New Paltz coach Mike Eckberg. "They're very organized and disciplined, especially in the back. It's an opportunity and a test for us that we'll be ready for."

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