Albany, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz women's soccer opened up the 2022 season Thursday with a convincing 3-0 road win over Russell Sage College.
 
The Hawks jumped on the Gators from the first half whistle with sophomore Rachel Eisert taking over quickly. Four minutes into the game, Eisert put her first shot on goal forcing Sage keeper Kierstin Lynch to make the stop, leading to consecutive corners for SUNY New Paltz.
 
After earning three corners and registering four shots within the first 15 minutes, Eisert officially gave the Hawks the 1-0 lead after cleaning up on an initial shot by Kelly Licata.
 
Five minutes after the first goal, the Hawks earned a free kick in their offensive third following a foul by the Gators. Emma Voege played the service in with Eisert putting away the opportunity to quickly give her team a 2-0 advantage.  
At the 30th-minute mark, Siena Diaz-Colon extended the advantage for SUNY New Paltz with an insurance goal after taking advantage of another chance in front of goal off an initial shot by Gaby Treble that was saved by Lynch.
 
Holding a 3-0 advantage, SUNY New Paltz's defense did the rest and managed a speedy front by the Gators to limit chances. The Gators were more dangerous in the second half, recording seven of their 10 shots in the final 45 minutes, while earning all three of their corners in the second half.
 
"Overall great opening result, well earned, well deserved," said Hawks coach Mike Eckberg. "Our defensive presence in our front line really set the tempo and created a lot of opportunities that allowed us to sustain our attack and go straight to goal. Was very pleased with our back lines ability to work hard in transition, take away opportunities, our goalkeepers came up with important saves in important moments and really solidified the game for us."
 
SUNY New Paltz ultimately out-shot Sage, 20-10, including 11-6 on frame with the Hawks also holding the advantage on corners, 9-3.
 
Eisert led the Hawks with five shots, four of which were on goal to go along with her two scores. Katie Buquicchio followed with four shots with Diaz-Colon ending with three. Kyra Russo and Maddie Franklin split time in net and ended with two and four saves, respectively.
 
SUNY New Paltz hopes to start a winning streak Saturday when it hosts RPI for its home opener Saturday on South Turf Field at 1 p.m.

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