Hawks Look For More in 2006

NEW PALTZ, NY — SUNY New Paltz completed the 2005 season with a 17-19 overall record and finished ninth in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC), at 6-14. The Hawks were one of the most improved teams in the region producing the program’s highest win total since 1999. The SUNY New Paltz softball team returns a solid corps of veterans as well as several talented freshmen and transfers determined to make a run at the SUNYAC title.

Coming into the 2006 season, the softball team aims to surpass last season success. The Hawks lost some important pieces from last year’s team but Coach Duckworth feels confident that the underclassman will pick up the slack. Gone from last season are three starters; center fielder Jen Born (Walworth, NY), second baseman Jessica Schropfer (Glen Oaks, NY) and third baseman Emily Nyman (Islip, NY). Coach Duckworth believes for the Hawks to be successful in 2006 they need to manufacture more runs and maintain the solid defense his team has been known for.

Senior Liz McPartlan (Huntington Station, NY) returns after three successful years at first base. She will be a major force in the SUNY New Paltz lineup after leading the team with a .345 batting average, four home runs and eight extra-base hits. Senior third baseman Danielle Porcelli (Huntington Station, NY) returns with a solid glove and a keen eye at the plate. Sophomore catcher Lauren Motzkin (Woodstock, NY) leads the battery with experience behind the plate. She brings intensity and a strong arm and will be a major threat at the plate once again in 2006. The addition of junior catcher Margaret Blair (Lake Peekskill, NY) to the line-up will be key to elevating the level of the Hawks defensive prowess. Sophomore pitchers Michelle Reinke (St. James, NY) and Kelly O’Hea (Huntington Station, NY) will return to the mound for the Hawks.

SUNY New Paltz will welcome six newcomers to the 2006 squad, when they open the season on Sunday, March 19, at Fort Myers Florida against Trinity College.