Saratoga Springs, NY — After another tough overtime battle, the State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer program nearly walked away with its first win of the season, but instead suffered a heart-breaking double overtime loss, 2-1 to hosting Skidmore Saturday.

The Thoroughbreds (2-1) immediately put pressure on SUNY New Paltz's defence in the first few minutes with two shot attempts, but sophomore goalkeeper Kyra Russo made two saves to keep them off the board. The Hawks (0-2-1) had multiple chances to get on the board in the first half with six of their nine shots on goal. However, Ava Keller put on a clinic, saving all six shots to keep SUNY New Paltz scoreless going into the half.

"We have to execute in the final third," said Hawks coach Mike Eckberg of his team's performance. "Opportunities are there but [they] don't mean anything if we do not execute."

Skidmore finally started the scoring when Ella Stone drained a 35-yard attempt into the far back corner of the net with about 25 minutes left in the half. Vannessa Eljaiek attempted to make it a second score at the 26th minute, but her shot hit the post and went wide left.

After shooting nearly everything on target in the first period, the Hawks shot just one of their four shots on frame in the second half. It was a crucial one, however, as junior Rachel Eisert's shot, after an assist by fellow junior Dana Salinas, found the corner of the net. The 68th-minute goal got the Hawks on the board and tied the game.

Good, physical defense on both sides led to no shots on goal until the 87th minute, a shot by Katheryn Dunn that was saved by Russo. SUNY New Paltz's best chance to score the go-ahead goal came with just 1 minute, 27 seconds left in regulation, when freshman Maggie Cameron's attempt for her first collegiate goal went wide. Senior Cailin Ruoti's attempt to close the game in the first three minutes of overtime was saved by Keller.

"We have gone toe-to-toe with back-to-back Liberty League opponents," said Eckberg. "We need maturity with our youth and experience to convert game changing moments."

After the first overtime period, the Thoroughbreds finally wore down the Hawks. Twelve seconds into second overtime, Russo deflected a shot by Dunn for her fifth save of the game, but could not recover to defend Carly Craft's shot off a rebound scramble, scoring after 100 minutes of play and winning the game for Skidmore.

Russo recorded five saves on 16 shots faced on the night, compared to Keller's seven saves on 15 shots faced. Eisert had the most shots for the Hawks with five; three of them were on target. SUNY New Paltz had 11 fouls compared to Skidmore's nine, but no foul would lead to a goal.

"There is an eagerness, passion, and soccer IQ with this group that is unique," said Eckberg. "It has to show and be put on display in the 90 minutes that are given to us."

SUNY New Paltz will attempt to get into the win column again on Wednesday, when they come back home to face Bard. The game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. on the South Turf Field.

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