The State University of New York at New Paltz men's volleyball team (8-2, 2-0) is hoping this weekends double header against Kean University (10-3) and New Jersey City University (3-3) has a different outcome compared to last week's, and can push the Hawks up in the national rankings after dropping to No. 8 this week.
 
The Hawks are coming off a strong win in their home opener against Bard College (1-6) Wednesday, where they swept the Raptors 3-0 (25-16, 25-10, 25-6) for the sixth straight year. The win at home was a much needed boost after SUNY New Paltz suffered a disappointing loss Feb. 9 to Hunter College (5-3). "Yeah obviously we learned a lot from last Saturday. It was a couple of tough games for us," said Hawks junior setter Matthew Grace. "We're really focusing on bringing our best every point. We can't take anybody lightly, especially Kean." 
 
SUNY New Paltz faces the hosting Cougars first Saturday, who lost their last game 3-0 (24-26, 17-25, 21-25), but went on a five-game winning streak prior to their loss. The Hawks haven't faced the Cougars since 2017, when SUNY New Paltz took a 3-0 win (26-24, 29-27, 25-11).
 
The Hawks take on New Jersey City University in their second game at 2 p.m., a team they haven't faced since their National Championship run in 2016, sweeping the Gothic Knights 3-0 (22-25, 22-25, 14-25).
 
The current camaraderie and team spirit is still high despite last week's loss, as SUNY New Paltz is eager to come home with two victories.
 
"I think adapting here was really easy. The guys here are all brothers, we're together 90 percent* of the time," said Hawks freshman outside hitter Brendan Spulnick. "It was certainly a change. I was used to being on the court as an outside and now coming in to serve off the bench is a little difficult, but it's my job so I have to do what I have to do."
 
Spulnick had a career high 13 kills against Lasell College last weekend, and served three aces in Wednesday's home opener, showing how quickly he is adapting to his role off the bench.
 
The Hawks travel to Union City, N.J., to face Kean University at 12 p.m. and New Jersey City University at 2 p.m. Saturday.

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