RPI lost 2-1 to New York’s third ranked team, Plattsburgh State, last Wednesday before crushing Elmira 6-0 in a homecoming match at Harkness Field on Saturday in two non-league matches, a complete reversal from the 2003 season when the Red Hawks lost a disappointing contest at Elmira only to defeat nationally ranked Plattsburgh.

Then again that much hasn’t changed for RPI, which is still having trouble putting together back to back wins. Some might want to label the Red Hawks’ play as inconsistent, but that would not be accurate. The Red Hawks have been consistent in their play, demolishing the teams they are supposed to beat such as Elmira and Clarkson while coming up just short against ranked opponents Plattsburgh St. and St. Lawrence.

Rensselaer Head Coach Adam Clinton said before the season began he was not sure how his teams would fare against tougher opponents this season, but he knew that “no team looks forward to playing us.”

Undefeated Plattsburgh would agree with that statement. After jumping out to a early 2-0 lead in the first half as Tim Stanley and Craig Carroll found the net within minutes of each other, Plattsburgh tried to run away and hide with this game, but Rensselaer would find them.

After being dominated in every statistical category in the first half, a motivated Red Hawks squad came out of halftime energetic as they attempted to scratch and claw their way back into the game.

Rensselaer garnered more shots and corner kicks thanks to an onslaught of offensive pressure.

At the 70 minute mark, their hard work paid off as Gary Sroka found a streaking Thomas Frost Anderson, who delivered a timely goal.

However, this would be the only time Rensselaer would beat Plattsburgh goalie Jeff Adams, who had five saves on the day. Opposite Adams, RPI goaltender Nick Bochette was again solid stopping seven of the nine shots that were on net.

It was the second week in a row the Red Hawks suffered a tough loss to a ranked opponent, and for the second straight week Rensselaer would take out their frustration on a weaker opponent.

In a fiery display the Red Hawks attacked a 1-6 Elmira squad all game. Nick Ruggio tallied the game’s first two goals, the first of which came less than five minutes into the game, setting the tone for what was to come. Thomas Frost Anderson posted two goals, while Ed Sellitto tallied a goal and delivered a nice pass for an assist on freshman Kevin Grammer’s goal.

While the Red Hawks have improved and are off to a 5-2-3 start, they are still unsure where they stand. They have competed with, but not beaten, the best teams in the state and have ruined the weaker teams.