Box Score

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – Perhaps there was no better parting gift for the State University of New York at New Paltz women's volleyball team's (19-6) two seniors—outside hitter Stephanie Skrobach (Webster, N.Y.) and middle hitter Dana Kindelmann (Nesconset, N.Y.)—than extending the program's home win streak to 32. The Hawks did just that Wednesday evening during Senior Night, besting cross-river rival Vassar College (10-10) by a count of 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-23) in a non-conference match in the Hawk Center.

Skrobach and Kindelmann have never lost a match in the Hawk Center, as New Paltz has not fallen on its home court since 2006.

The efficient play of sophomore outside hitter Kelly Lavender (Apalachin, N.Y.) and Kindelmann fueled the Hawks' success on the attack. Lavender boasted 14 kills and a .414 hitting percentage, while Kindelmann pounded out 10 kills and achieved a .588 hitting percentage. As a team, New Paltz hit respectably at .259. Freshman setters Marissa King (Canandaigua, N.Y.) and Brigid Moore (Victor, N.Y.) split time at the setter position. King racked up a match-high 25 assists and Moore handed out 13.

Defensively, the Hawks were solid, as four different players reached double figures. Freshman libero Carrie Hack (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) led the way with 19 digs, while junior outside hitter Melinda DiGiovanna (West Hempstead, N.Y.) offered 16. King collected 12 digs, while Lavender also fortified the defensive effort with 10. Using their height and timing on the front row, DiGiovanna and Kindelmann each boasted three blocks.

For Vassar, Amy Bavosa led the team with eight kills, while Hilary Koenigs dished out 18 assists. Chelsea Mottern paced the defense with 17 digs.

New Paltz was not tested early, as it cruised to 25-15 wins in the first two sets. The Brewers, however, fought hard with the Hawks in the third stanza. After holding a 19-17 lead, Vassar could not finish the comeback bid, as New Paltz went kill-for-kill with the Brewers until they were undone by mistakes in the final few points. With match point on the line at 24-23 in favor of New Paltz, Kindelmann landed a kill off of a King set to give the blue and orange the victory.

Wednesday's match marked the final regular-season home contest of the year for the Hawks. The 2010 State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Championship Tournament will be hosted by the top seed in the West Division, leaving the NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championships as the only opportunity that the Hawks could compete again in the Hawk Center this season.

New Paltz travels to Wellesley, Mass., this weekend for the Wellesley Invitational. On Friday, Oct. 15, the Hawks take on Ithaca College at 7 p.m. Play continues on Saturday, Oct. 16, as the blue and orange will contest Endicott College at noon before squaring off with host Wellesley College at 4 p.m.