After coming away with its first win of the season Wednesday, the State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer team hope to double-down and win its second-straight Saturday when it hosts Manhattanville College on the South Turf Field.
 
It will be the 29th time the Hawks will meet the Valiants. Beginning in 1987, at the dawn of women's soccer for both programs, it's the longest non-SUNYAC series for SUNY New Paltz, which own a commanding 17 wins, six losses and five ties record over Manhattanville. However, most recently in 2019, the Valiants had the upper hand, winning 2-1 on their home turf. With their 2-0 win over Bard Wednesday, the Hawks will be looking to avenge that 2019 defeat with another outstanding performance Saturday.
The Valiants are coming off a tough 1-1 tie against NJAC power Kean University, a game they had in hand until the 84th minute when the Cougars notched the winning goal. Overall, Manhattanville is 2-1-1, with wins over Albertus Magnus and New Jersey City University. They opened their season with a tough 1-0 home loss to Delaware Valley University. 
 
Four players lead the scoring for the Valiants. Ashley Hayes (Sr., Springfield, OR), Natalie Aracena (Jr., Bronx, NY), Kelly Barrera (Fr., Port Chester, NY) and Jennifer Xiong (Jr., Connelly Springs, NC) each have two goals thus far to their credit. The defense is led by senior goalkeeper Alexa Pyatsky (Garden City, NY) who has 11 saves to her credit, and has given up seven goals for a 1.66 goals against average.
 
The Hawks, now 1-2-1 after Wednesday's shutout of the Raptors, are led offensively by first-year Rachel Eisert (Bellmore, NY) with three goals on the young season. Graduate student Sky Pedroza (Levittown, NY) follows with one goal on the year. The defense has been stingy for SUNY New Paltz, allowing just five goals through four games, with keeper Kyra Russo (So., East Greenbush, NY) making 16 saves with a 1.15 goals against average.
 
Kickoff between the Hawks and Valiants are set for 1 p.m. Saturday on the South Turf Field.

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