SUNY New Paltz Men’s Volleyball Advances to 2-0 in NECVA

NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz men’s volleyball team continued their strong play to open up the 2006 season with a 3-0 defeat of conference rival, New Jersey City University (NJCU). With the win the Hawks improve to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the North Eastern Collegiate Volleyball Association (NECVA), while the Gothic Knights fall to 0-3 overall and 0-2 in NECVA play.

SUNY New Paltz fell behind early in the first game, but the Hawks worked their way back into the affair pulling even and eventually grabbing the 30-28 victory. Tied 6-6, game two was competitive early, but SUNY New Paltz (4-1, 2-0) was able to gradually pull away posting a 30-21 win. NJCU (0-3, 0-2) fought hard in the third game keeping the Hawks within range and tying the contest 23-23. SUNY New Paltz, however, out-scored the Gothic Knights down the stretch to win game three 30-27 to secure the 3-0 win.

Junior outside hitter Jeff Lee (Clifton Park, NY) led the Hawks with 13 kills and two aces, as he hit .375 for the evening. Freshman setter Matt Weingarten (East Moriches, NY) piloted the SUNY New Paltz offense with 36 assists, two aces, and two blocks. Seniors, middle blocker Greg Jackson (Central Square, NY) and opposite Ryan Bullard (Smithtown, NY) finished with eight and nine kills, respectively.

NJCU received, a team-high, ten kills form junior outside hitter Carlos Ducos (Passaic, NJ). Junior setter Maurice Washington (Orlando, FL) totaled 18 assists, while junior libero Carlo Edra (Edison, NJ) collected 12 digs. Freshman outside hitter Kevin Rodgers (Clifton, NJ) pitched in with four blocks in the loss.

The SUNY New Paltz men’s volleyball team will host Stevens Tech. on Friday, February 3, at 7:00 pm in a NECVA conference contest. Stevens Tech. is nationally ranked No. 7 in Division III, according to the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Poll. SUNY New Paltz is ranked in the same poll at No. 11.