Saratoga Springs, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz went on the road Wednesday to face Skidmore College and walked away with a hard-fought, double overtime, 1-0 win.
 
The Hawks improved to 2-2 overall after coming off a heart-breaking one-goal loss Saturday in their home opener against Endicott. Shorthanded due to injuries, SUNY New Paltz showed its grit Wednesday playing through nearly 80 minutes of scoreless hockey before Ashley McGough's game-winner in the 73rd minute.
 
The game was balanced between the two teams with the hosting Thoroughbreds holding the slight advantage in shots, 18-15, shots on goal, 9-8 and corners, 10-7. The hosts were most dangerous in the fourth, totaling six shots in the period, but SUNY New Paltz's defense held firm backed by a strong day in net by senior captain Gail Comiskey who finished with eight stops in the win.
 
Both teams totaled four shots in the first 10-minute overtime with the Hawks controlling the following extra time period as Skidmore was hit with a yellow card in the 69th, which bled into the second overtime. SUNY New Paltz took advantage of the man-up situation, earning a penalty corner two minutes into the quarter. Rachel Tama's initial shot was saved, but the Thoroughbreds couldn't clear past the 50, as Elizabeth Austin worked to win the ball back on a tackle. The sophomore spun to get free, catching a Skidmore defender out of position, falling down on the deke before Austin sent a ball inside the circle to Tama. Tama drove in and centered a pass in front of net with McGough there to get the tip-in for the game-winning score.
 
Tama led the team with eight shots, two on goal with an assist. McGough followed with three shots, two on net, followed by Meghan Gunning who took two shots with both on cage.
 
The Hawks are back in action Saturday, hoping to push their record over .500 once again, as they go on the road to face Ramapo College in Mawah, NJ. Game time is scheduled for 11 a.m.

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