Potsdam, NY —All season, the State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer team has seen itself out-play most of its competition. The Hawks have out-shot their opponents 129-77 on the year but hadn't equated the play on the field to results on the scoreboard. That changed Friday.
 
Going on the road to play SUNYAC rival SUNY Potsdam, SUNY New Paltz secured a convincing 2-0 victory over the Bears, earning its first conference victory on the season and defeating Potsdam for the first time since 2014.
 
"I think it's about a growing belief and a belief that you can put pen to paper and trust in your hearts that you can walk off the field knowing that you got a result that you deserved," said Hawks coach Mike Eckberg. "There's certainly things to work and continue to improve on like any other game, but I think all-in-all its one that can create a total team belief that is critical in this stage of our season."
 
SUNY New Paltz was sharp all game and dangerous in its attack. The Hawks garnered 18 shots in the game, 11 of which found the frame, while also generating six corners on the day. 
Junior forward Ally Donovan gave SUNY New Paltz the early 1-0 advantage in the 14th minute of action. Freshman Parris Burke, getting just her second start of her career, played Donovan through to create a 1-v-1 with her and the keeper. Donovan slotted her shot past the Bears' Savannah Bowie to record her first goal of the year.
 
The Hawks held on to all the momentum in the second half, as they generated 10 shots in the final 45 minutes with freshman Rachel Eisert adding on to the lead in the 80th minute. Eisert found space to put away her team-leading fifth goal of the season, seemingly cementing the victory for SUNY New Paltz on the day.
 
Eisert led the team with five shots, followed by Donovan and Burke with four apiece. Kyra Russo played all 90 minutes in goal for SUNY New Paltz and recorded four saves. Bowie finished with nine stops for Potsdam.
 
"Critical to be able to pick up three points on the road. Total team effort," Eckberg said. "All around I thought our attacking patterns were sound. We were creating dangerous transition moments going to goal. The movement in our attack, the final balls in behind were a testament to our training this last week. That is what we invest a lot in, is in our process."
 
The Hawks stay up north, as they take on SUNY Plattsburgh Saturday at 1 p.m.
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