MAHWAH, NJ – The State University of New York New Paltz women's soccer team closed out its inaugural New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) regular-season slate Wednesday afternoon, battling host Ramapo College to a scoreless draw.
The Hawks (8-6-1, 4-4-1 NJAC) entered the matchup having already secured a spot in the NJAC Tournament and looked to carry momentum into postseason play following consecutive shutout victories over William Paterson and Stockton.
SUNY New Paltz established an early attacking presence, testing Roadrunners goalkeeper Gabby Matias twice in the opening six minutes. Junior Abby Macleod put the first attempt on frame just two minutes into the contest before senior Erin Savarese sent an effort over the crossbar moments later. Macleod followed with another shot on goal in the sixth minute, but Matias kept the visitors off the scoreboard.
Ramapo generated its first opportunity in the 14th minute, with Amber Maher forcing junior goalkeeper Jess Centeri into her first save of the afternoon. The Hawks continued pressing forward, as Samantha Gemmo tested Matias in the 17th minute before sending another attempt wide in the 29th. SUNY New Paltz carried a 6-2 advantage in shots into halftime but remained locked in a scoreless contest.
The Hawks resumed their attack after the break, with Soledad O'Hara Nunes registering an attempt in the 51st minute before Kara Jahrsdoerfer forced another save from Matias less than two minutes later. Breanna Casey added an opportunity in the 57th minute, while Gemmo sent an effort over the crossbar in the 63rd.
Ramapo responded with a stretch of pressure midway through the second half. Marisa Christ tested Centeri in the 66th minute, followed by Julianna Capitanello in the 69th, but the Hawks' goalkeeper turned away both attempts to preserve the deadlock.
SUNY New Paltz pushed for the breakthrough in the closing minutes, earning a corner kick in the 83rd minute that preceded a shot from Jamie Seccafico. Macleod followed with an attempt in the 87th minute as the Hawks continued searching for the decisive goal.
Both sides generated one final opportunity in the closing minute. Centeri denied Morgan Korinchak with 50 seconds remaining before Gemmo forced Matias into her fifth save just 10 seconds later, securing the 0-0 result.
The Hawks finished with a 13-7 advantage in shots and held a 5-4 edge in attempts on goal. Gemmo paced SUNY New Paltz with five shots, including two on target, while Macleod contributed three attempts and two shots on goal. Centeri recorded four saves across the full 90 minutes to earn another clean sheet.
SUNY New Paltz now turns its attention to the NJAC Tournament, making its first postseason appearance as a member of the conference. The Hawks will travel to face fourth-seeded Stockton on Saturday, Oct. 31, in the NJAC quarterfinals. SUNY New Paltz defeated the Ospreys, 1-0, in their regular-season meeting last Saturday. A start time has yet to be announced, and tickets will be available exclusively online.
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