New Paltz, NY -- With just three State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) matches left, the State Univeristy of New York at New Paltz women's volleyball team is undefeated in conference play.

The Hawks moved to 6-0 in the SUNYAC Saturday, beating Oswego State (13-8 overall, 2-4 SUNYAC) 3-1 (25-19, 16-25, 25-22, 25-17) and SUNY Potsdam (8-12 overall, 2-4 SUNYAC) 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-16). SUNY New Paltz is now 18-4, and still tied with SUNY Geneseo for sole position of first place in the SUNYAC.

"Being 6-0 in the SUNYAC, it feels really good," said junior outside hitter Madison Van Pelt. "We have the respect of others, and people have to bring their game if they want to beat us." 

The Lakers came out strong in the first set against the Hawks, taking an early 8-5 advantage. At 9-6, a kill by senior outside hitter Taylor Cimillo sparked an 8-2 run for SUNY New Paltz, taking the lead, 14-11.

At 15-14 Hawks, three kills by Cimillo and a junior middle hitter Kerri Neville kill put SUNY NEw Paltz ahead, 19-14 and forced an Oswego State timeout. The stoppage of play could not stop the bleeding, as the Hawks jumped out with three unanswered-points afterwards to take full control at 22-14. It would win the set, 25-19.

A tight second set tied at eight, the Lakers shifted momentum on their side with a six unanswered-point run of its own, taking the lead, 14-8. Oswego State continued to apply pressure, extending its lead to as far as eight at 22-14. The Lakers tied the match at one, winning 25-16.

Waking up after the dropped set, SUNY New Paltz took an 8-3 lead in the third, forcing a Oswego State timeout. This time, it worked. The Lakers came right back with four unanswered-points, sitting behind, 7-8.

In a set that featured five ties, Oswego State came within striking distance with two kills to tie the match at 22, forcing a Hawks timeout. Hawks Coach Matt Giufre's message was heard, as two Van Pelt kills and a Neville service ace won the set for SUNY New Paltz, 25-22.

The Lakers would not let up early in the fourth, taking a 7-4 lead. A kill by sophomore outside hitter Julie Greenspan created the run the Hawks needed, as they scored nine unanswered-points to gain a 13-7 advantage.

SUNY New Paltz continued to score in bunches, extending its lead to as much as 12 within the set. The Hawks won the fourth, 25-17, and the match, 3-1.

"Oswego's a very good defensive team, so we had to really look to try to find spots on the court," Neville said. "We pushed them deep, and pushed them off the court, and it was very impressive. We got a lot of aces today so we're very happy."

Staying hungry later in the day, SUNY New Paltz gained an early 10-5 lead in the first against SUNY Potsdam. When the Bears climbed back to tie the set at 15, three Greenspan kills capped off by one from Cimillo forced a SUNY Potsdam time-out at 19-15.

The Hawks continued to score profusely once again, ending the set with a 6-2 run to take the 1-0 advantage, 25-17.

Four unanswered-points to open the second proved SUNY New Paltz came to play, forcing another Bears timeout. SUNY Potsdam fought back, taking the lead at 11-9.

A service error by the Bears spun momentum back on the Hawks side, as they scored five unanswered-points, capped off by a Greenspan kill, to take the lead, 14-11.

With SUNY Potsdam close behind, tying the set five times, the Hawks rallied with three unanswered-points to take a 22-20 lead. Up 24-23, Greenspan sealed the deal with a kill, putting SUNY New Paltz up, 2-0.

With the third set tied at nine, the Hawks made sure the match was decided. A Cimillo kill created a 7-2 run, taking the lead, 16-11. SUNY New Paltz kept putting points on the board, as a Van Pelt kill gave them the set, 25-16, and the win.

The Hawks return to action Friday, when they face off with Rowan University at Bard College Oct. 12 in the Hudson Valley Quad-match.

The Hawks are back on the road next weekend, taking on SUNY Potsdam and Plattsburgh State. To stay up to date with everything #NPHawks be sure to follow on Twitter at @nphawks, Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to our Youtube channel,New Paltz Hawks.