The RPI men’s soccer team looked stronger as a unit this week. On Friday, the Red Hawks took on Clarkson University. Late in the first half with just under three minutes remaining, sophomore Matt Hill sent the ball from the right side of the field toward the goal where teammate Aaron Gundle, a junior, headed the ball past Clarkson goalie Mike St. Croix for the goal. Heading into the half, RPI held the advantage 1-0.

The defense stayed strong for Rensselaer in the second half as well. The Golden Knights had multiple opportunities to score, but junior goalie Jeff Krywanczyk would have none of that. He finished with four saves on the day and preserved the shutout.

The Red Hawks took on St. Lawrence the next day in another low-scoring affair. The Saints’ Axel Galeano scored the lone goal of the game roughly three minutes into the contest off a pass from teammate James Merrill. Galeano beat an RPI defender and fired the ball past Krywanczyk for the score.

This time it was RPI who was unable to mount a comeback for the remainder of the game; all six of its shots in the second half could not find the net as St. Lawrence took the game by a score of 1-0. With the record standing at 5-11 on the year, Rensselaer will have its season finale on Saturday versus Elmira College.

Red Hawks battle in snow

The women’s soccer team battled the elements as it played a rough contest in its first game of the week against Clarkson University.

Early rain gave way to snow, giving both teams fits as they struggled to find any opportunity to score. The game was officially called a tie in the 70th minute, but neither team was able to score. RPI outshot Clarkson 8-4 over the course of the game, but realistically had only one chance to score. Senior goalie Tara Marandino denied the Golden Knights, making two saves in the contest.

Against Saint Lawrence, the Red Hawks took the early lead just under 16 minutes into the game. A scramble in front of the goal gave sophomore Sarah Hinz control of the ball after the Saints missed a chance to clear. Hinz then got the ball to senior Karen Kraft who put it home, giving RPI a 1-0 lead.

St. Lawrence came back to tie the game up in the second half when Lauren Sischo scored off a set play and pass from teammate Stanzi McGlynn. The game remained knotted up at one at the end of regulation, so overtime was necessary to decide the game’s outcome.

Unfortunately, St. Lawrence came away with the contest when Sischo scored her second goal of the game, nailing a shot from 25 yards out into the upper corner of the net.

RPI’s record now stands at 5-8-2 on the season, and they will wrap up the year with their final game against the University of Rochester on Tuesday.

RPI splits opening meet

RPI swimming & diving opened up its season on Saturday against the University of Rochester. The Red Hawks split the dual meet with the men beating the Yellowjackets 130-113, but the women losing 153-90.

For Rensselaer, senior Mike Schibelli posted two individual wins in addition to helping the men’s team win the 400 medley relay. Greg Derevianko, also a senior, had a good day as well, making an NCAA national A-cut, and breaking the Robison Pool record here at RPI with a score of 276.52.

Next up for the Red Hawks in the early season is a dual meet with Ithaca College on Saturday.