Volleyball Opens Season 2-0

CORTLAND, NY — The women’s volleyball team traveled to Cortland for day one of the Red Dragon Classic Tournament to open their season and claimed two wins. The Hawks faced off against Montclair and defeated the Red Hawks 3-1 (30-20, 29-31, 30-17, 32-30). Senior Kim Braga led the attack with 12 kills, four blocks and 11 digs. Senior setter Katie Becofsky handed out 40 assists and collected 20 digs. Junior libero, Nicole Mercadante tallied 20 digs.

In match two of the day, the Hawks faced the Rochester Yellow Jackets and won 3-1 (30-18, 26-30, 30-28, 30-21). It’s the first win over the Yellow Jackets for Head Coach Matt Giufre, who is in his sixth year. Sophomore Brittany Coyle, the 2006 East Division Rookie of the Year, led the attack with 15 kills and seven blocks. Braga finished with 11 kills, four blocks and Becofsky handed out 46 assists, eight kills and 12 digs. Mercadante tallied 32 digs for the Hawks.

New Paltz will continue the tournament Saturday afternoon at 12 pm, with the opponent still to be determined.