Women’s Volleyball Team Drops Two

CORTLAND — SUNY New Paltz opened the Bob Thorburn coaching era with consecutive losses on Friday at the Cortland Red Dragon Women’s Volleyball Invitational.

In its opener, New Paltz fell to Alfred University, 15-11, 15-6, 15-11, despite jumping out to an early 10-4 lead in the first game and having tied the third game at 11 before the (1-1) Saxons scored four unanswered points to close the match.

Sophomore outside hitter Elizabeth Hogg led the Hawks with 19 digs and three kills, while freshman Wendy Del Orbe added 15 assists and sophomore Heidi Dippel had nine digs and two blocks.

In their second match, the Hawks again fell short, losing 15-7, 15-7, 15-10, to SUNY rival Geneseo (2-0).

Lone senior Nicole Older led New Paltz with eight digs and four kills, while Hogg contributed 12 digs and junior transfer Crystal Smith added 11 digs and two service aces.

The (0-2) Hawks will play an opponent to be determined later Friday at 2 p.m. Saturday in their first match on the second day of the two-day tournament.

Thorburn is in his first year at New Paltz after longtime Hawk men’s and women’s volleyball coach Tony Bonilla resigned this past spring to spend more time with his wife and two young children.