Elmira Defeats SUNY New Paltz In ECAC Opening Round

ROCHESTER, NY — Fourth-seeded SUNY New Paltz lost in five games to fifth-seeded Elmira in the opening round of the ECAC Upstate Tournament this evening at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Elmira won the first two games, 31-29 and 30-25, before the Hawks came back with 30-25 and 30-26 wins in games three and four. Elmira jumped out to an early 8-6 lead in game five and was able to hang on for the 15-11 win.

Leading the way for Elmira was Kristen Wheaton (Corning, NY/Corning East) who had 35 kills. Jen Mezei (Stratford, ONT/ St. Michael CSS) added 27 kills and 38 digs. Junior setter Ashley Biondi (Lake Luzerne, NY/ Saratoga Springs) tallied 66 assists.

Andrea Kaiser (Blue Point, NY) paced SUNY New Paltz with 15 kills and 23 digs. Kim Braga (Long Beach, NY) added 18 kills and had seven blocks. Jen Hembury (Montgomery, NY) had 48 assists.

SUNY New Paltz finished its season with a 27-11 record.

Elmira will face #1 RIT on Saturday morning at 11 a.m.