SUNY New Paltz Women’s Soccer Team, Primed for 2005

NEW PALTZ, NY — The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) preseason poll ranked the Hawks ninth out of 11 in 2004, but in her first season on the sidelines since 2002, Coach Bruley and her team proved the critics wrong. SUNY New Paltz completed the 2004 season with a 7-10-3 record and finished sixth in the conference, at 4-4-2. Coach Bruley was recognized by the conference with her first Coach of the Year award and the Hawks finished the season with their first appearance in SUNYAC tournament since 1999.

Coming into the 2005 season the women?s soccer team aims to surpass last season success by securing a first round bye in this year?s SUNYAC tournament. The Hawks lost some important pieces from last year?s team but Coach Bruley feels confident that the incoming freshmen will pick up the slack. Gone from last season are three starters; forward Lauren Martone (Hastings-on-the-Hudson, NY), goalkeeper Maggie Fenton (East Meadow, NY) and defender Lauren Pastore (Levittown, NY), who joins the team as the new assistant coach. The addition of Pastore to the coaching staff will be a key to continuation of the Hawks defensive prowess. Coach Bruley believes for the Hawks to be successful in 2005 they need to score more goals and maintain the solid defense her teams have been known for.

The Hawks welcome eight newcomers to the 2005 squad, four of which will be starting when they open the season on Sunday, September 4, at Elmira. Coach Bruley looks to start a rookie at each position, including in goal, but she feels that the depth and talent in her recruitment class is the best she has had in her nine years as head coach. She will look to her senior captains; defender Emily Martin (Keene Valley, NY), midfielder Winifred Lento (Patchogue, NY) and defender Amanda Picarelli (Miller Place, NY), to lead the way.