Hawks Win Volleyball Invitational

BRISTOL, R.I. — SUNY New Paltz went 4-0 to win the Roger Williams Men’s Volleyball Invitational on Saturday at the Thomas J. Paolino Recreation Center.

New Paltz (9-3) beat host Roger Williams in the championship match, 30-26, 30-28, 26-30, 30-28, to avenge yesterday’s three-set loss to the Hawks, which broke New Paltz’s five-match win streak. Senior middle hitter Christopher Wright had 19 kills to lead New Paltz, which is ranked eighth in Division III, and has now won nine of its last 10 matches.

In the semifinals, junior setter Beau Warren had 18 assists and 14 kills on 16 attempts, as the Hawks swept Johnson and Wales (30-21, 30-22, 30-25) for the second time this season.

Earlier on Saturday, New Paltz defeated the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (30-17, 30-19, 20-30, 30-27) – in what also served as an EIVA Odeneal Conference match – and got past Rivier (30-13, 25-30, 30-19, 30-27). Senior outside hitter Otto Tannure had 10 kills and nine digs against MIT, while fellow senior Robert Manosca had 24 assists, 14 digs, 10 kills and three blocks in the Rivier match.

The potent offensive combination of Warren and Wright amassed 117 kills for the day to earn All-Tournament Team recognition.

New Paltz returns home to face Stevens Tech at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.