Lee and Weingarten Power Hawks to 10th NECVA Metro Victory

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, NY — The SUNY New Paltz men’s volleyball team secured their tenth North East Collegiate Volleyball Association (NECVA) Metro Division victory with a 3-1 (32-30, 30-22, 26-30, 30-28) defeat of Bard College.

The contest between conference rivals, SUNY New Paltz and Bard College, was competitive from the opening whistle. The Hawks battled the Raptors to a 32-30 win in game one. SUNY New Paltz (19-9, 10-3) built on the game one win to facilitate a 30-22 triumph in game two. Bard College (14-9, 6-6) responded in game three, hitting .375 as a team, achieving a 30-26 win to keep the Hawks within range. The Hawks overcame a determined Bard College squad, 30-28, in game four to collect the 3-1 victory.

Junior outside hitter Jeff Lee (Clifton Park, NY) posted his fourth double-double of 2006 with a 14-kill, 15-dig performance. Lee was complimented by freshman setter Matt Weingarten (East Moriches, NY), who contributed 52 assists to pilot the SUNY New Paltz offense. Senior opposite Ryan Bullard (Smithtown, NY) turned in a solid outing with 12 kills and five digs. The Hawks’ defensive effort was powered by middle blockers, junior Josh Spiro (Island Park, NY) and senior Greg Jackson (Central Square, NY), who combined for 19 kills and 12 blocks. Sophomore libero Pedro Medina (Brentwood, NY) provided 20 digs.

Despite three players finishing the evening with double-doubles, the Raptors were unable to overcome the superior play of the Hawks. Sophomore opposite Colin Safranek (Santa Cruz, CA) recorded 28 kills and 11 digs to lead Bard College. Junior setter Dylan Cummins (Aptos, CA) provided 43 assists and 17 digs for the Raptors, as sophomore outside hitter Zachary Hamaker (Walnut Creek, CA) totaled ten kills and 15 digs.

The SUNY New Paltz men’s volleyball team will host NECVA Metro opponent, Mount St. Vincent, on Saturday, March 18 at 2:00 pm.