ALBANY, N.Y. – Russell Sage College Women's Soccer battled with the Hawks of SUNY New Paltz on Friday night, falling 1-0 in the season opener. 

The Gators kept it tight, holding a 0-0 tie at the break. New Paltz, which returned 19 players from last year's squad, found the back of the net twice in the second half, one which got called back due to an offside penalty, and the other the game clinching goal.

Sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Horan (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) (0-1) saved 14 Hawk shots in the opener. 

Junior defender Courtney Bush (Schenectady, NY/Mohonasen), sophomore forward Sofia Sanzo (Niskayuna, NY/Colonie/Le Moyne), and sophomore midfielder Katelyn Nelson (East Islip, NY/East Islip) each recorded a shot in the effort.

The Gators (0-1) are back on the pitch on Tuesday as they head to Nichols for a 3:30 PM start.

Gator Bites: The Gators are coming off of their second-straight appearance in the Empire 8 Conference Championship Tournament Semifinals…15 players, including eight starters, return this fall…First-team All-E8 Conference picks junior defender Courtney Bush (Schenectady, NY/Mohonasen) and forward Marissa Key (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury), a grad student, highlight the group of returnees.