Hawks Outlast Vassar in Five

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — SUNY New Paltz men’s volleyball team hit .692 and committed one error in the fifth and deciding game to defeat Vassar College 3-2 this evening.

The Hawks, who have now won five straight, took the final game 15-8. SUNY New Paltz, who overcame a 2-1 deficit, snapped a four match-losing streak against the Brewers. The Hawks prevailed 34-32 in the fourth to set up the fifth and deciding game.

Junior outside hitter Chris Ganje (Halfmoon, NY) led the Hawks with 22 kills, 15 digs and a .436 hitting percentage. Junior outside hitter Mike LaRocco (Hauppauge, NY) also recorded a double-double with 17 kills and 10 digs.

Junior setter Jason Karpf (Lake Ronkonkoma, NY) had a career-best 45 assists for the Hawks who wrapped up the regular season with a 17-7 record.

SUNY New Paltz will travel to Buffalo, NY for the opening round of the North Eastern Collegiate Volleyball Association (NECVA) Tournament on Friday (Apr.2). The seventh-seeded Hawks will play tenth-seeded Mount St. Vincent at 6:00 p.m. The winner of the match will advance to the quarterfinals to play second-seeded and defending champion Stevens Tech.