Women’s Volleyball Wins Fifth Consecutive Hawk Invite

The women’s volleyball team won their fifth consecutive Hawk Invite after defeating Morrisville 3-0 and Elmira 3-1 to improve to 8-0 on the season.

New Paltz and Elmira were both 3-0 heading into the final match of the day to decide the champion. New Paltz edged out the Soaring Eagles in set one 29-27 and cruised to a 25-10 victory in set two. Elmira claimed a tough third set 28-26 before New Paltz sealed the win with a 25-7 showing.

Junior Brittany Coyle (Minisink Valley/Middletown) paced the attack with 12 kills on 21 attempts and seven blocks. Junior Alison Kiernan (Herricks/New Hyde Park) and first year Melinda DiGiovanna (West Hempstead) each added 10 kills. Stephanie Bova (Central Square) handed out 38 assists and senior Nicole Mercandante (Baldwinsville/CW Baker) tallied 20 digs, while the team combined for 11 service aces.

Earlier in the day, New Paltz swept Morrisville 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-19). Coyle led the way with eight kills while first year Tara Annunziata (Massapequa) registered six kills. Bova dished out 19 assists and three service aces, Kelsey Garmendia (Pine Bush) handed out 11 assists, and Mercadante totaled 15 digs.

Mercadante and Bova were named to the All-Tournament team for their performance throughout the weekend.

New Paltz returns to the court on Tuesday September 16th when they host USMMA at 7pm before traveling to Potsdam next weekend for the first round of SUNYAC competition.