PLATTSBURGH, NY - The Plattsburgh State women's soccer team continued their strong start to the 2022 season, defeating the Russell Sage College Gators 3-0 at the Fieldhouse Complex Turf. All three of the Plattsburgh goals were the first scores of each individual's collegiate careers and the defense was exceptional, combining to limit Sage to just two shots over the full 90 minutes. 

With the win, the Cards move to 2-0 and have yet to allow a goal in 2022. The team has also scored five total goals in their first two games, all coming from five different players, showing signs of a potentially dynamic offense. Russell Sage falls to 0-2 and has lost back-to-back games to SUNYAC opponents 3-0 after falling to New Paltz on Thursday earlier in the week. 

The beginning of the game on Saturday proved to be a pretty even game, as both teams looked to find their offensive rhythm early. The Cardinals looked to be in control of the ball throughout but failed to capitalize on opportunities early for potential shots. 

That trend changed in the 38th minute of the game, as Amanda Cohen (Cortlandt Manor, NY) played a beautiful ball from the right side of the box past the goalie, right into the track of Tara Bendsak (Washingtonville, NY/Washingtonville), netting the first goal of her college career. 

With the 1-0 lead, the Card's offense settled in and the team rattled off two goals in a one-minute span to begin the second half. Kirsten Villemaire (Plattsburgh, NY/Beekmantown) worked her usual magic with the ball and ripped a shot from the right side of the box that was saved by the Russell Sage keeper. However, on the deflection, Sam Spear (Peru, NY/Peru) was there to clean up the mess, knocking home her first collegiate goal. 

Not even a minute later, the Cardinals found themselves with another chance at goal as Avery Durgan (Plattsburgh, NY/Beekmantown) placed a strong pass through to Nora Fitzgerald (New Rochelle, NY/New Rochelle), who beat her defender to the ball and knocked her in the first goal in her Plattsburgh tenure. 

With the big lead, the team was able to hone in on the defensive side, making it tough for Russell Sage to possess and move the ball in their offense. 

In her first career start in goal, Lauren Haley (LaGrange, NY/Arlington) earned the win and the shutout. Sage's goalkeeper Kierstin Lynch fell to 0-2 on the year, allowing three goals and saving three shots. 

The Cardinals return to the Fieldhouse Complex Turf tomorrow at 11 a.m., as they will take on the Skidmore College Thoroughbreds tomorrow, a young team with 10 new players in 2022.