NEW PALTZ, NY – The State University of New York New Paltz women's soccer team celebrated Senior Day in winning fashion Saturday, defending home turf with a shutout victory over the Clarkson University Golden Knights.
Prior to kickoff, the SUNY New Paltz women's soccer program recognized its three graduating seniors, Erin Savarese, Grace Norelius and Allison Beattie, thanking the trio for their commitment and contributions throughout their careers. The Hawks' senior class has helped guide the program to 33 wins and counting, two SUNYAC Quarterfinal appearances, one SUNYAC Semifinal appearance, the program's first SUNYAC Championship since 2011 and its second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
From the opening whistle, SUNY New Paltz looked to establish itself in the attacking third. The Hawks generated early pressure before Savarese recorded the first shot on goal of the afternoon, forcing a save at the 5:25 mark.
Clarkson eventually worked its way downfield for its first attempt, but the SUNY New Paltz backline quickly snuffed out the opportunity. The Hawks responded at the other end, with Jamie Seccafico looking to break the scoreless tie in the 18th minute.
Coach Bolton's squad continued to settle into the contest as Samantha Gemmo tested the Golden Knights' keeper before Zoey Manzo followed with another opportunity. Abby Macleod then produced the most dangerous chance of the afternoon to that point, but her effort caught the left post to keep the game scoreless.
The Hawks kept knocking as a feed from Alyssa Deutsch in the midfield sent Macleod into a one-on-one footrace with the final Clarkson defender before the Golden Knights' keeper came off her line to clear the danger. The clearance, however, fell directly to Norelius. The senior stepped in front of the pass and, from outside the 18-yard box, calmly lofted a perfectly placed strike over the retreating defense and into the back of the net at the 35:10 mark, giving the Hawks a 1-0 advantage on Senior Day.
Holding the one-goal lead at halftime, SUNY New Paltz immediately went searching for insurance. Grace Lien worked her way forward from the backline to register the first attempt of the second half, sending her shot just high.
Clarkson answered by testing Jessica Centeri in net, but the Hawks' keeper stood tall to preserve the advantage. After a stretch of back-and-forth possession, SUNY New Paltz broke through for its second goal of the afternoon in the 58th minute.
Gemmo created the opportunity with a strong run down the left side of the pitch before delivering a precise cross into the box. Macleod was waiting on the other end and met the service with a clean volley, directing it past the outstretched keeper to double the Hawks' lead, 2-0.
SUNY New Paltz continued to threaten as time wound down, while its defense prevented Clarkson from generating enough sustained pressure to work its way back into the contest, sealing the Senior Day shutout.
Norelius and Macleod each found the back of the net for the Hawks, while Gemmo registered the lone assist. SUNY New Paltz finished with a 13-4 advantage in shots and held a 4-1 edge in corner kicks. Centeri made two saves to secure another clean-sheet victory in goal.
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