New Paltz Volleyball Streak Ends At Nine

NEW PALTZ — After defeating Massachusetts Institute of Technology to extend its win streak to nine games, SUNY New Paltz lost to Division II Southampton in the nightcap of a men’s volleyball tri-match at Elting Gymnasium on Saturday.

In the straight sets (30-21, 30-25, 30-23) loss to Southampton, senior Christopher Wright had seven kills, including his 1,500th career kill. Through 101 matches, Wright has amassed 1,502 kills.

Beau Warren (14 assists, 12 kills, seven digs) and Robert Manosca (20 assists, eight kills, eight digs) each played well for the Hawks despite the loss.

Earlier on Saturday, New Paltz rebounded from a bad first set to beat M.I.T. in an EIVA Odeneal Conference contest, 28-30, 30-18, 30-19, 30-25. Jason Bateman (four digs, two blocks) had a team-high 15 kills to highlight a balanced Hawk attack. Sean Riley (12 kills, six digs, four blocks) also reached double figures, while three others collected at least eight kills in the match.

In the day’s other match, Southampton swept M.I.T., 30-17, 30-18, 30-16.

The (14-4 overall, 4-1 EIVA Odeneal) Hawks, which have lost only twice in their last 16 matches, remain the eighth-ranked team in Division III. Southampton, meanwhile, improves to 8-6 and M.I.T. is now 2-15 (1-5 EIVA Odeneal).

New Paltz will return to action next Saturday with a home match against Roger Williams. The teams split their two previous meetings this season.