CORTLAND, NY — SUNY New Paltz opened its season with three victories, followed by two defeats at the 11 team Red Dragon Classic held in Cortland, NY.
New Paltz started Friday with a 30-21, 30-24, 30-14 victory over Buffalo State. Senior Kim Clouston (C.W. Baker/Baldwinsville) paced the attack with 13 kills, 11 digs and six service aces. Junior Katie Becofsky (Schalmont/Altamont) finished with 31 assists and seven digs.
The Hawks then swept Eastern Connecticut State 30-24, 30-17, 30-19. Clouston led the way with 13 kills, ten digs, six blocks and seven service aces. Senior Franchesca Rodriguez (Guilderland/Schenectady) added 11 kills and 11 digs. First year Brittany Coyle (Minisink Valley/Middletown) chipped in with six kills on 12 attempts and registered nine blocks and Becofsky dished out 37 assists.
On Saturday, the Hawks started out with a 30-11, 30-25, 30-23 win over Baptist Bible to finish atop of Pool B. Junior Kim Braga (Long Beach) put down a team-best 10 kills with Clouston recorded nine of her own. Sophomore Nicole Mercadante (C.W. Baker/Baldwinsville) finished with 14 digs and Becofsky added 27 assists.
New Paltz went on to face the Pool A Champion, Cortland at 12:30 and were defeated 3-1. The Hawks claimed the first game 30-17 before losing 30-23, 30-25, 30-27. Braga had nine kills, Becofsky handed out 30 assists and Mercadante registered 21 digs.
In the final match of the tournament, the Hawks faced Stevens Tech and dropped a 3-0 decision by scores of 30-17, 30-22, 30-20. First year Amanda Kopp (Massapequa) totaled seven kills and Becofsky dished out 18 assists.
New Paltz finished third in the tournament and Clouston was named to the All-Tournament team. The Hawks return to action on Wednesday, September 6 when they play host to Stevens Tech at 7:00 p.m.
