New Paltz Women’s Basketball Team Rolls in Season Opener

NEW PALTZ – — The SUNY New Paltz women’s basketball team defeated New York City Tech 101-16 in its season opener to advance to the finals of the Hudson Valley Tip Off Tournament. The host Hawks will take on Mount St. Mary in tomorrow’s afternoon’s title game at 3:00 p.m. in Elting Gym.

SUNY New Paltz, in its first game under first-year head coach Brad Duckworth raced out to a 14-4 lead in the first six minutes. The Hawks then used a 23-0 run and held the Yellow Jackets scoreless for just over nine minutes to build a comfortable 53-13 at the half.

SUNY New Paltz placed four players in double figures led by junior guard Maura McShane (East Rockaway, NY) who had 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Senior forward Silver Williams (Newburgh, NY) added 18 points and five rebounds for the Hawks who registered their first win on opening night since the 1997-98 season.

Mount St. Mary advanced to the finals with a 63-57 win over City College of New York in the opening game of the tournament. The Blue Knights outscored CCNY 41-32 in the second half to erase a 25-22 halftime deficit. Sophomore guard Oneisha Staples (Newburgh, NY) led Mount St. Mary with 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

New York City Tech and CCNY will meet in tomorrow’s consolation game at 1:00 p.m.