The State University of New York at New Paltz men's volleyball team (22-7 overall, 8-1 UVC) is getting ready for its semifinal matchup against the winner of the No. 3 and No. 6 seed matchup between St. John Fisher and Vassar College on Saturday at 5 p.m.

With five All-Conference selections, the Hawks are looking to use the momentum from their four-game win streak to push them all the way to a United Volleyball Conference (UVC) championship, with an exciting opportunity for a young team. 

Junior setter Matthew Grace and senior outside hitter Nick Smith were named to the All-UVC First-Team list, while junior outside hitter Aaron Carrk, junior middle blocker Nick O'Malley and senior outside hitter Bradley Schneider made the second-team.

"I'm excited for the experience to play with the guys. It's been building up to this since the fall, so I'm just excited to get out there and start playing," said Hawks freshman middle blocker John Ronan. "As long as we serve and pass the ball we'll be ok. We need to keep the energy up at all times and fight for every point."

In a direct elimination game, the Hawks know they have be sharp and focused on every play.

"With our backs against the wall, that's when we play our best game," said Hawks senior outside hitter Bradley Schneider. "That's when we played loose against Kean. We knew we had nothing to lose so we came in with high energy. We're looking forward to the UVCs."

The Hawks tip off against the winner of the No. 3 and No. 6 seed on Saturday at the Stevens Institute at 5 p.m.

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