Binghamton, NY-- The State University of New York at New Paltz women's tennis team is on its way back to the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) championship Sunday, as the Hawks defeated SUNY Cortland in a SUNYAC semifinal matchup 5-0 Saturday.

SUNY New Paltz (8-1 overall) will make its 18th-straight conference finals appearance and will have a rematch against SUNY Oneonta, which the Hawks defeated last season to earn the program's fifth SUNYAC title. 

"Team had to be mentally focus today as Cortland had nothing to lose and played relaxed," said Hawks coach Rob Bruley. "All three doubles teams played well, meaning we had to win two singles matches, which Onalee [Batcheller] and Trinity [Chow] won. Top of the line singles lineup looks extremely strong. Looking forward to competing in another SUNYAC championship."

Chow and Laura Koob set the tone for the day by winning at first doubles, 8-2. Victoria Zezula and Jenna Grandville followed with an 8-1 win of their own at second doubles, while Batcheller and Alexandra Dratch put the final touches of a doubles sweep after picking up an 8-3 victory.  

Chow and Batcheller then solidified the win for SUNY New Paltz, finishing the day by each winning 6-1, 6-0 at first and fifth singles, respectively.

The Hawks and Red Dragons are slated for a 1 p.m. start Sunday with a SUNYAC trophy on the line. A win for SUNY New Paltz will give the program its second back-to-back championship and sixth overall title.

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