The new coach was putting the players into new positions and it was hard to know what to expect from the team. The Red Hawks have, however, shown that they still have exceptional prowess on the field as the women’s soccer team played their first at Harkness versus New Paltz on September 2.

The Red Hawks were particularly aggressive during the game, attempting 30 shots to New Paltz’s eight. The RPI goalies had a quiet night, with Andrea Hamill and Tara Maradino each putting up one save and allowing one goal to slip by. The offense was hard on the Hawks’ goalie as she made 10 saves while allowing five shots to get by during the game.

New Paltz scored the first goal of the evening at 5:26. Soon after, though, the RPI team came to life as Susan Gonyea scored at 3:57 with an assist from Liz Vitialano.

The second half was much more lively, with four RPI goals to the one New Paltz managed to put up. The first goal of the half came from Gonyea on an assist from Katie Fredlund. Thirty seconds later Margaret Tomeo added to the Red Hawk tally with a little help from Kristy Nachman. In the 18th minute Laura Feeney fed Lisa McMillan for the third RPI goal of the half.

Things were quiet until 15 minutes later, when New Paltz scored their second, and last, goal of the evening. Five minutes later Feeney answered with the last RPI goal of the half, closing out the game 5-2.

This game puts the Red Hawks at 2-0 for the season so far, while giving a second loss to the winless New Paltz Hawks.

Expect more of the same level of aggressive play from the Red Hawks in their away game at Mount Saint Mary on September 16. Their next home game will be played on September 26 against Union.