The State University of New York at New Paltz men's volleyball team (14-5 overall, 5-0 UVC) will face the No. 1 team in the nation Springfield College (18-2) for the second time this season Wednesday.
 
This is a critical point in the season for the Hawks, as they come off a loss to Elms College 3-1 (25-16, 25-19, 22-25, 25-16) on Friday, a team with a similar record (19-4) to SUNY New Paltz. The Hawks need to get their groove back and an upset in Springfield would be a enormous boost for their standings and for team morale.
 
Last time the Hawks played Springfield, the Pride defeated them, 3-1 (25-20, 25-21, 31-33, 25-20) on their home court, and SUNY New Paltz is hoping to return the favor.
 
"We're just grinding for every single point, trying to make sure we're blocking efficiently, and get an aggressive push over the net," said Hawks freshman libero Bryan Kaplan. "After losing last time we're hunting now, trying to take out the No. 1." 
 
SUNY New Paltz is going to do its best to be prepared for Springfield's quick firing offense.
 
"Our strategy is to put it one and done. We don't wanna play back and forth, just bump, set, spike and kill," said Hawks middle blocker Tevin Skeete. "After our loss to Elms, it's gonna make it tougher if we don't get back up and go after Springfield. I know this team has the capacity and ability to dominate tomorrow."
 
Hawks coach Radu Petrus has been working with the team on perfecting their blocking all week.
 
"Their middles are really fast, they come in like a bullet so we have to be disciplined on the block," Skeete continued. "We have to line up with their right shoulder and spread wide enough for the block."
 
The Hawks will face off against Springfield College Wednesday at 6 p.m.

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.