Troy, NY — The same day she was named as the NFHCA Division III National Offensive Player of the Week, Hawks junior Rachel Tama came through with the game-winning goal to push the State University of New York New Paltz to a 3-2 win over hosting RPI Wednesday.
 
The Hawks, like they have been doing all season, out-shot their opponent once again, totaling 17 shots to the Engineers' five including having more shots on net, 10-4. However, it was RPI which struck first, getting out in front in the second minute on its first shot of the game.
 
Amanda Quenneville answered for SUNY New Paltz three minutes later, scoring off an initial penalty corner inserted by Miranda Britton. Meghan Gunning picked up the assist on the play with Quenneville tallying her eighth of the season, as she knotted the score at ones. 
 
Coming out hot to start the second quarter, Tama immediately found some space in the circle to lay a shot on frame that was blocked. The Hawks kept RPI on its heels, however, and earned another penalty corner two minutes later. Britton inserted to Tama who ripped a shot for her first of the day to push her team ahead, 2-1.
 
The Engineers scored in the 40th minute to tie the game at twos early in the third quarter, but Tama re-upped her team's lead shortly after with Britton again playing the beneficiary as she found Tama for the go-ahead score.  
SUNY New Paltz burned a yellow card to end the quarter and managed back-to-back corners at the end of the period but couldn't add onto its cushion. The two teams totaled five shots in the fourth with the Engineers earning two corners, having opportunities to create another stalemate but the Hawks defense came through to hold onto the lead with keeper Gail Comiskey notching two saves to preserve the lead and earn the win.
 
Tama led SUNY New Paltz with eight shots, five on net, with two goals, adding to her total of 39 points and 16 goals on the year to lead the team. Hannah Ackerman followed with four shots, two on goal, while Britton and Quenneville each had two shots to go along with two points apiece.
 
The No. 21 nationally ranked Hawks improved to 9-1 overall on the year with the victory, while extending their winning streak to three games. They return to SUNYAC play Saturday, going on the road to face SUNY Oneonta for a 1 p.m. matchup.

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