New Paltz Edged In Men’s Volleyball

NEW PALTZ — SUNY New Paltz was edged by third-ranked New York University, 16-14, 15-10, 16-17, 15-12, in an Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Hay Conference men’s volleyball match on Tuesday night at Elting Gymnasium.

New Paltz, ranked ninth in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III Top 15 Poll, moved up one spot in the rankings after its four-game upset of then fourth-ranked D’Youville (15-8, 15-3, 13-15, 15-4) on Saturday afternoon.

Junior middle hitter Christopher Wright, who yesterday was named the AVCA/Sports Imports Division III Men’s National Player of the Week for his solid play in four matches last week, had 21 kills and five blocks in a losing effort, despite an upper calf injury sustained in the third game.

Freshman Miguel Soriano added 22 kills, eight blocks and six digs, while Carlos Tollinche had 12 kills, eight digs and five blocks for the (7-11 overall, 0-7 EIVA Hay) Hawks, who are at fourth-ranked Springfield College (12-6 overall, 6-1 EIVA Hay) at 7 p.m. on Thursday. New York University improves to 9-8 overall (5-3 EIVA Hay) with the victory.