Box Score The State University of New York at New Paltz men's volleyball team took the second set from No. 1 Springfield College, but they were unable to complete the upset and ultimately fell in four sets 20-25, 26-24, 24-26, 25-22. 

The Hawks started out strong in the opening set by jumping out to a 4-1 lead, but then the errors started to pile up and the Pride took command of the set after a six-point run. However, the momentum shifted back towards SUNY New Paltz midway through the set when junior outside hitter Nick Smith powered down three kills in four points as the Hawks took a 13-12 lead. In a set full of runs, Springfield College was able to make the final push at the end of the set and they took a 25-20 victory. 

The second set began back and forth, but at 12-12 SUNY New Paltz appeared to take the upper han as they slowly built their lead up to 18-15. Once again, the Pride answered back and were able to tie the set at 18. The Hawk offense woke up with the set on the line and tallied six kills in their final eight points won to finish off 18-kill set. At 25-24, senior outside hitter Ben Cohen stepped up to serve and with a hard jump serve in the seam he forced an overpass, which Smith took care of with ease and SUNY New Paltz tied the match at one set a piece. 

After gaining a quick 3-0 advantage in the third set, the Hawks held a lead for the majority of the set. SUNY New Paltz eventually found themselves with a set point at 24-23 and the ability to take a one-set lead on the top-ranked Pride. However, Springfield showed their mental toughness and was able to side out right away. The Hawks couldn't answer back and dropped the set 24-26. 

Needing a win to force the fifth set, SUNY New Paltz had to come up with some clutch plays on both offense and defense. However, the Hawks only managed eight kills in the set compared to 12 from the Pride and they weren't able to switch the momentum back in their favor. Springfield took the fourth set 25-22 and defeated SUNY New Paltz for the third time this season.

"We played hard, but Springfield is No. 1 for a reason and they took advantage in situations that we didn't," said head coach Radu Petrus. "When they are in system they are very good and we didn't do a good enough job of serving tough and keeping them out of system."

Cohen came off the bench for the Hawks and played well on the outside recording 12 kills and three errors on 20 attempts for a .450 hitting percentage. Smith finished with a team-high 13 kills, while Cole also ended in double-digits at 10. Sophomore setter Matthew Grace ended with a match-high 41 assists while Smith and Robert Nolan led the defensive effort with seven and six digs, respectively.

"We are improving and with conference playoffs coming up we need to keep focusing on getting better each day," said Petrus.

SUNY New Paltz concludes their regular season on Tuesday at home against Milwaukee School of Engineering at 7 p.m. for senior night. Be sure to follow @nphawks on Twitter and @newpaltzhawks on Instagram and Facebook for updates, highlights, videos, photos and more.