New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz collected its second-straight win at home with a 2-0 shutout victory over visiting RPI Wednesday.
The Hawks (10-5 overall, 4-0 SUNYAC) moved the ball well from the opening minutes and created chances against a tough Engineers team's defensive side, garnering four penalty corners within the opening 30 minutes. Each team had five shots to start with the game scoreless entering the second until SUNY New Paltz struck first in the 19th minute.
RPI gave the ball away on the sideline with an errant lift that went well out of bounds. SUNY New Paltz took advantage of the turnover, as
Miranda Britton played a great ball through to
Ashley McGough running into the circle who got in behind the Engineers defense. Her shot was initially saved by RPI's Tess Garchinsky with
Rachel Tama there to try and get the rebound with her attempt hitting of Garchinsky's pads. Maya O'Keefe then found the loose ball at her stick and lifted her shot over Garchinsky for what turned into the game-winning goal.
SUNY New Paltz scored one more before the end of the half.
Meghan Gunning played the ball to the stick of Tama who weaved past a defender before placing her shot past Garchinsky for her eighth score of the year to give her team an insurance goal, up 2-0 at the break.
The second half was more evenly matched, but the Hawks defense played well backed by reigning NFHCA National Defensive Player of the Week
Gail Comiskey between the pipes, as the senior came out confidently with three second half saves to help secure her second shutout of the year.
The Hawks narrowly added onto the lead early in the third quarter, as Britton was in the perfect spot on the post following an insert on a corner, but her tip went just wide of frame. SUNY New Paltz had another opportunity to score of the set play in the 43rd minute, as Gunning played a ball into Tama, but her shot was stopped by the Engineers defense to hold the 2-0 difference.
SUNY New Paltz ultimately out-shot RPI, 16-9, including 12-7 in shots on goal, while totaling seven penalty corners to the Engineers two. Tama led all players with eight shots, seven of which were on goal as she finished as the top point getter with one goal and an assist. Britton followed with three shots, two on goal. Comiskey finished with six saves with back
Gabriella Barth adding one defensive save in a full 60 minutes played.
The Hawks are back in action Saturday, going on the road to conclude regular season SUNYAC play against No. 4 nationally ranked Salisbury University. The winner of the matchup will clinch the top seed in the SUNYAC Tournament.
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