The State University of New York at New Paltz's men's volleyball team (9-3 overall, 2-0 SUNYAC) is prepared to face No. 1 nationally ranked Springfield College (12-1) Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Hawk Center. The matchup is the toughest test of the season so far for the Hawks, as they look to make a statement at home and challenge for another NCAA ring this year.
 
Springfield has a lot of history with SUNY New Paltz, having played against them in two NCAA finals in 2016 and 2017. The Hawks haven't defeated Springfield since 2016, when they swept their three games (3-0, 3-2, 3-1) against the Pride on their way to the DIII NCAA Championship, which they won in Rochester N.Y., (25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 26-24). Springfield has won five out of the eight NCAA championship titles since DIII volleyball started having an NCAA tournament in 2012, and have been to every final. 
"We all know what Springfield's got. We're excited and ready to get out there," said Hawks senior outside hitter Bradley Schneider. "If we can outserve and outpass them, then we're expecting a nice win tomorrow."
 
Ball control is going to be very important Wednesday, as Springfield is known for controlling games from the start with its uptempo offense and serving. SUNY New Paltz is going to have to focus on defense after tough serves to have a chance in the game. The Hawks know they have to bring a lot of energy down the stretch and have a perfect game to put the Pride down at home.
 
"Punching first is huge for us, because we have a lot of trouble winning the first set a lot of times," said SUNY New Paltz junior setter Matthew Grace. "If we can get them on the backfoot that would be really important for us."
 
The fans are going to come out in numbers to support the Hawks and create a raucous atmosphere that can spur SUNY New Paltz to a critical win.
 
The Hawks will face Springfield College at 6 p.m. in the Hawk Center. To stay up to date with everything #NPHawks be sure to follow us on Twitter at @nphawks,Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to our Youtube channel, New Paltz Hawks.