New Paltz, NY -- On Wednesday night, the State University of New York at New Paltz men's volleyball team (15-3, 3-1 UVC) will host New York University (14-2, 4-1 UVC) at the Hawk Center for a game that promises fireworks and high level volleyball.
The Violets are ranked No. 2 with SUNY New Paltz breathing down their neck at No. 3 in the most recent poll released by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). That could all change next week if the Hawks can get the win over their United Volleyball Conference (UVC) opponent, a win that would look good both in prospect of the UVC and National Tournament.
SUNY New Paltz is flying high, in search of its sixth consecutive win as the team feels it is playing its best volleyball at the moment
"I think we're starting to peak at the right time," said Hawks sophomore Chris Shanley. "It feels good to break into the starting lineup, having all my teammates around me to pick me up when
I'm down and playing consistently together as a team, that's been important for us."
"This NYU game is gonna be pretty huge for us, especially because its a UVC match," the SUNY New Paltz outside hitter added. "It's gonna be a giant step for us to get ahead in our conference. Yeah, we dropped a few important matches this season, but like I said I think we're peaking at the right time."
NYU has suffered one defeat in the UVC against St. John Fisher College (14-4), one of only two losses this season so far. The Violets swept Springfield College (18-2) and Stevens College (17-4) on their way to a No. 1 ranking, but have now dropped two of their last three games as North Central College (11-6) bested NYU in five sets, causing them to slide down to second place in the AVCA rankings.
SUNY New Paltz knows it can still get better in game situations, and that consistency is key down the stretch.
"We need to improve our consistency as a team, sometimes towards the end of sets we usually start to die down in our energy levels," Shanley continued. "Finishing out our sets and carrying our energy into the next set is definitely something we can improve on as a team."
The Violets are attacking very well, hitting .342 percent, compared to SUNY New Paltz's .299 percent. The Hawks average more assists per game with 12.1 as opposed to 11.8, and slightly edge the Violets in aces per set at 1.7 over 1.6 of their opponents. NYU's defense is also strong, edging the Hawks 2.1 to 1.4 in blocks per set, setting up for an intense and hard fought game.
SUNY New Paltz tips off against NYU at 7 p.m. in the Hawk Center
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