The State University of New York at New Paltz men's volleyball team (21-7 overall, 8-1 UVC) takes on Kean University (22-5) Saturday for the last regular season game before the 2019 United Volleyball Conference (UVC) playoffs.
 
The Hawks fell to the Cougars earlier this year, 3-2, as senior outside hitter Nick Smith recorded 13 kills, and juniors Aaron Carrk and Nick O'Malley both had 11. SUNY New Paltz hadn't lost in its past matchups with Kean, sweeping the season series in 2017 and 2015, and winning 3-1 on the road in 2014.
"Kean would give us a lot of reassurance if we got that win," said Hawks junior outside hitter Carrk. "It would mean we're ready to take care of business in postseason games and conference championships."
 
This is a good test for SUNY New Paltz a week before its important semifinal match against the winner of the No. 3 and No. 6 seed in the UVC tournament, as its looks to book a spot in the NCAA Division III tournament with its third conference championship.
 
The Hawks know they have to come out strong in the playoffs and now is the time for their hard work to pay off.
 
"Looking towards the NCAA championships I feel like this is our year," said Hawks junior middle blocker Tevin Skeete. "It's the year for New Paltz to come out and represent the name on our chest. We're gonna take it to any team that steps up to us."
 
The Hawks play Kean University Saturday 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.