Box Score Caldwell, N.J.— The State University of New York at New Paltz men's volleyball team (23-7, 8-1 UVC) defeated St. John Fisher (21-13, 7-2) to advance to the final of the United Volleyball Conference tournament against Stevens Institute of Technology (26-5, 8-1) on Sunday at 5 p.m.
 
The Hawks won in four sets 3-1 (25-20, 25-22, 20-25, 25-16), taking down the Cardinals in the first semifinal appearance for the two-year program.

"It's good when we [win]," said SUNY New Paltz coach Radu Petrus. "We didn't do well today. We had a few easy mistakes. We can be better. Hopefully we can do better than today." 
Hawks senior captain and outside hitter Bradley Schneider had a game-high 14 kills, as junior outside hitter Aaron Carrk added 13 of his own. Sports Imports/AVCA Player of the Week senior Nick Smith finished with 10 kills and junior middle blocker Tevin Skeete also put up good numbers, ending the game with eight kills.
 
SUNY New Paltz went down early in the first set, as Petrus took a time-out down 7-3. Then the team slowly regained its composure and built up its lead, winning the set with a wide margin, 25-20.

"It was all energy," said Hawks freshman setter Cam Clark of the first-set victory. "We came out with a lot of energy. The bench was on fire. Everyone was excited. Everyone on the court was excited and when everyone is there for each other, it really makes the team have a lot of energy and just makes you play better."
 
The second set was tied at 20 after a run by St. John Fisher, thanks to an error by Carrk, who immediately made up for it on the following point with a kill. The Hawks then managed to push ahead late, winning the set 25-22.
 
In third set, the Cardinals were determined not to go out in a sweep, again acquiring the lead early and keeping it for the majority of the set.

"In the fourth set I think the players were paying more attention after we lost that set," Petrus said. "They go in with more motivation to win the game."
 
SUNY New Paltz won 25-16 in the final set. Junior setter Matthew Grace had consecutive kills and Dan LaRosa served an ace to put the Hawks up 12-7 to hold a comfortable lead and ultimately carry the way for the victory. 
 
The Hawks will face Stevens in the UVC final on Sunday at 2 p.m.

"What needs to go right [against Stevens] is that we need to stick with our system. Play for each other on the court and just come out full throttle," Skeete said. "No let ups, no anything… I'm happy this is the outcome. Stevens, they beat us… and it is our time now. This is the time for New Paltz to rise up. Tomorrow we're going to represent the name on our chest and we're going to show the world what we are capable of."

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