NEW PALTZ, NY — In 2006, the team completed the season with a 26-12 record. The Hawks claimed the East Division title for the first time in the history of the program with a 9-1 record and received a bye in the first round of the SUNYAC tournament before being eliminated by Geneseo in the semifinals. New Paltz received the third seed in the ECAC Upstate tournament and defeated Russell Sage in the first round 3-0 and RIT 3-2 in the semifinals before falling to the University of Rochester 3-2 in the finals. Senior outside hitter Kim Clouston was named to the NCAA Division III All-New York Region team by the American Volleyball Coaches Association and first year middle hitter Brittany Coyle earned honorable mention honors. Clouston, who led New Paltz with 431 kills, 439 digs and 69 service acesand Franchesca Rodriguez, who totaled 318 kills and 324 digs, were first team All-SUNYAC East picks. Junior setter Katie Becofsky, who centered the attack with 978 assists, was named the East Division Player of the Year and Coyle was tabbed Rookie of the Year in the East after leading the conference with a .412 attack percentage. Coyle finished the year with 248 kills and 85 blocks as senior Kate Roche contributed a team high 118 blocks. Sophomore Nicole Mercadante led the team in digs with 642 from her libero position.
