New Paltz, NY —The 2021 season was a breakthrough year for the State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer, but expectations are set higher entering 2022. 
 
Led by head coach Mike Eckberg, who enters his fifth season at the helm, the Hawks enjoyed their first season in nearly a decade of above .500, going 7-5-4 last season, while making their first appearance in the SUNYAC Tournament since their first title in 2011. With the playoff hump surpassed in 2021, SUNY New Paltz is ready, and primed, to make the leap for another conference title in 2022.
 
"Last year as a team our goal was to make the playoffs since it had been so long since we made it," said Hawks senior forward and co-captain Ally Donovan. "I think achieving that goal and making it we felt success, however, this year we have greater goals for our team and we don't just want to make playoffs, but we want to have a further run and win SUNYACs."
 
The Hawks return 13 experienced players from last season's winning year. Topping the list are three Second-Team All-SUNYAC selections in senior center back Katie Buquicchio (Deer Park, NY), who netted four goals in 2021, sophomore back/midfielder Alexis DeLeo (Harriman, NY) who had one goal and an assist, and sophomore forward Rachel Eisert (Bellmore, NY), who led the team with seven goals, including two game-winners.
 
 
Last season's stingy defense (1.04 goals against average) will again be led by the duo of Buquicchio and fellow senior center back and co-captain Jess Funke (Smithtown, NY), along with incumbent senior goalkeeper and co-captain Kyra Russo (East Greenbush, NY). Russo had a 1.09-goals-against average in 2021 with 72 saves and three shutouts.
 
"We have our two starting center backs returning and an outside back and in the class coming in we also recruited three or four defenders so we have a lot of people who are very strong on defense. We also have midfielders who can double as defenders. I think overall our back line is one of our strongest points of our team," Russo said. "We won a lot of balls that way and there weren't a lot of shots taken in our scrimmage against Hartwick. There was only one real shot that got off in all of the 90 minutes because our defense was so proficient in clearing balls out and winning the first ball."  
Replacing seven players who contributed to the growth and success of the Hawks seems daunting, but Eckberg brought in another talented group who have the potential to push the program to the top of the conference. The class includes seven freshmen and two transfers in forward Gaby Treble (Quinnipiac University/Oyster Bay, NY) and goalkeeper Maddie Franklin (Roberts Wesleyan/Clifton Park, NY).
 
The freshmen class is highlighted by holding midfielder Mia Baldinger (Massapequa, NY) who led the Chiefs to a 2021 New York State Class AA title last fall. Also having championship experience is former Smithtown rivals forwards Brooke Kelleher (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown West), Addison Weiner (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown East) and back Hannah Wellinger (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown East). Kelly Licata (Holbrook, NY) adds depth into the midfield, while Samantha Wholmut (Center Moriches, NY) and Allie Ziemak (South Farmingdale, NY) will see time defensively to round out a strong unit in the back for the Hawks.
 
"The freshmen that came in have been a very important part of our team this year, especially given that we have no junior class, so the underclassmen are a huge part of our roster," Russo said. "Every freshman who has come in has worked their butts off to get to where we are. The freshmen class is driven, they have hustle, they are always in it to win it and they're going to be a huge, huge factor in our games this year."
 
"Any player can step on the field and make a difference and especially coming back after last season," Funke added. "I just think we know as a team our potential, and we're just going to work off everything we accomplished then to go even further."
 
SUNYAC Coaches ranked SUNY New Paltz as the fourth best team in the conference entering the fall — the same spot it finished during the regular season. However, the Hawks couldn't pull through with their first postseason victory since 2011 after falling at home in overtime to Fredonia State. The loss looms over the program, as they boast their most talented roster in years with eyes set to compete with the best in the SUNYAC.
 
"I think we've really used that loss, returners especially, as motivation going into this season," Donovan said. "My freshman year, I don't think we had a winning season and I think teams thought we'd be an easy win and last year we really surprised teams coming in, because I think they thought we would be an easy win like in previous years… but this year we have raised the standard and other teams know that so we're going to have to go into every game proving ourselves." The Hawks held two scrimmages during the preseason against Hartwick and RPI, touting victories in both while playing well throughout the game, garnering ample chances on goal while maintaining possession throughout. They hope to continue that type of play when their season officially kicks off Thursday in their season opener on the road against Russell Sage College.
 
"Preseason has gone really well so far," Funke said. "It's the longest one we've had in a while. We had our first game [Sept. 24] versus Hartwick. We won 2-0 and I just think we really showed the potential of what this team has. The intensity never dropped."
 
The Gators finished last season at 8-8-2 overall, just missing out on the Empire 8 postseason tournament. The two teams met last season and played to a 1-1 double overtime game. Extra time won't be an option during the regular season in 2022, with all teams playing just the full 90 minutes with overtime being held off until postseason play.
 
Following their matchup with Sage Thursday night, SUNY New Paltz has a slew of home games at South Turf Field starting Saturday at 1 p.m. against RPI before hosting College of Mount Saint Vincent, Mount Saint Mary and Skidmore on Sept. 6, 8 and 10, respectively.
 
The Hawks and Gators are set for kickoff Thursday at 7 p.m. at ACP Stadium in Albany, NY.


Preview Video Featuring Senior Captains Ally Donovan, Jess Funke and Kyra Russo


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