Spiro Leads Hawks to 20th Win, Bullard Ties Career Aces Record

NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz men’s volleyball team posted their 20th victory of the 2006 season with a 3-0 (30-18, 30-20, 30-19) defeat of conference rival Mount St. Vincent.

The Hawks sprinted out to a 14-6 lead in game one to force a Mount St. Vincent timeout. Mount St. Vincent (6-16, 3-8) struggled to close the gap as SUNY New Paltz continued to control the tempo and forced a second Dolphin timeout at 26-13. SUNY New Paltz sealed a win in game one 30-18. Mount St. Vincent kept SUNY New Paltz (20-9, 11-3) within range in game two, pulling within two, 19-17. The Hawks, however, increased their advantage with an 11-3 run to facilitate the 30-20 game two win. SUNY New Paltz enjoyed a comfortable lead throughout game three, hitting .281 as a team, to earn a 30-19 win and the 3-0 match victory.

With four aces on the afternoon, senior Ryan Bullard (Smithtown, NY) moved into a tie with Chris Ganje for the SUNY New Paltz men’s volleyball career record for aces (132). Bullard finished the contest with nine kills and seven digs. Junior middle blocker Josh Spiro (Island Park, NY) provided the Hawks with an errorless performance, he totaled 11 kills on 14 attempts for a .786 hitting percentage on the afternoon. Spiro added six blocks to go along with his outstanding offensive outing, while freshman setter Jarrett Rubin (Lido Beach, NY) totaled 23 assists.

Senior middle blocker Russell Butts (Long Beach, NY) collected three kills, four aces and nine blocks to lead the Dolphins. Outside hitters, sophomore Arnold Ross (Wilton, ME) and freshman TJ Pufahl (Bethpage, NY) recorded four kills apiece. Ross added ten digs and four blocks, as Pufahl and junior outside hitter Daniel Williams (Brick Township, NJ) each totaled 11 digs.

The SUNY New Paltz men’s volleyball team will travel to local rival Vassar College on Saturday, March 25 for a 2:00 pm contest.