The State University of New York at New Paltz women's volleyball team will be looking to build off of its first weekend of the season, as it hosts the annual Hawk Invitational Sep. 7 and 8. The Hawks will match-up with Alfred University, St. Lawrence University, Mount St. Mary College and Hamilton College throughout the tournament.

Splitting the Emory Classic held in Atlanta, GA on Aug. 31 and Sep. 1, SUNY New Paltz comes into the weekend with an even 2-2 record. The Hawks earned wins against Covenant College 3-1 (25-23, 23-25, 25-22, 25-22) and Maryville College 3-2 (24-26, 25-19, 22-25, 28-26, 15-11), while losing to College of Saint Benedict 0-3 (16-25, 14-25, 9-25) and University of Texas at Tyler 1-3 (20-25, 26-24, 13-25, 19-25) in its first matches of the season.

"We has an opportunity down in Atlanta to grow against four really good teams, and I thought we took advantage of that," said Hawks coach Matt Giufre. "All the returners came in this year stronger, more determined, more confident, and have really done a nice job of leading the newcomers."

After graduating two key members in Veronica Matedero and Maddie Zwickl last year, Giufre has looked to his underclassmen to fill the void early this season. Coming into the weekend, sophomore Julie Greenspan currently leads the team in kills with 45, while sophomore Haley Timarky is second on the team in assists with 31 and sophomore Demi Herasme is tied for first on the team in blocks with nine.

"I really wanted to step up my game," said Greenspan. "It's just been going really well lately." 

The Hawks are facing a tough non-conference schedule, as eight of the 14 teams they will face before they get into State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) play ended last year with winning records. 

Entering the season with a 7-1 record at home last year, SUNY New Paltz is looking to continue its winning ways at the Hawk Center this weekend.

"Playing at home is always fun," said Hawks senior setter Meredith Dignan. "It's always something we're comfortable with, and we want to impress everyone here."

SUNY New Paltz opens up the weekend Friday at 3 p.m. in the Hawk Center against Alfred University, followed by a 5 p.m. match against St. Lawrence University. The Hawks return Saturday morning at 10 a.m. to play Mount Saint Mary College, with a match against Hamilton College at 2 p.m. later in the day.

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