*story updated following result of Vassar/SJFC semifinal

Elmira, NY – The State University of New York at New Paltz men's volleyball team is a game away from repeating as United Volleyball Champions.

The top-seeded Hawks (7-3 overall) made quick work of No. 4 seed Nazareth (5-7) in the semifinal round of the UVC Tournament Friday at Elmira College, sweeping the Golden Flyers for third time this season to extend their 2021 campaign in pursuit of another championship title.

"The team played well and had less mistakes than previous matches," said SUNY New Paltz coach Radu Petrus. "Sunday finals will be more difficult. The stakes are high and the teams go through emotional stress and pressure. Vassar, St. John Fisher, New Paltz are the top teams in DIII, the results are unpredictable."

The first set was tied at four early, but the Hawks began flexing their superiority as the set waned. They took their largest lead at 22-9 with UVC Player of the Year Matthew Grace leading the way. The senior setter had eight of his game-high 26 assists in the first with his team hitting .280 in the period. SUNY New Paltz was at set-point at 24-10 and finally put away set one two points later on a kill by junior outside Chris Shanley. 
The Hawks didn't give up many points Friday. The most they conceded was 15 which came in the second set, but they countered by hitting an efficient .583, committing no hitting errors and totaling 14 kills to take a 2-0 lead in the game.

SUNY New Paltz didn't trail after the opening point of the third set. It rolled out to a commanding 16-6 lead and Nazareth never really threatened to take the control. A kill by Carrk, followed by consecutive hitting errors by the Golden Flyers pushed the Hawks' lead to 23-11, while a service error a point later got them to match point. Shanley put the finishing touches on a dominating performance, ending the match on a kill from Kyle Shaffer to complete the 3-0 sweep.

The Golden Flyers had a tough day offensively, hitting -.075, while SUNY New Paltz finished with 44 kills and hit .361 in the game. Carrk, Shanley and Kunga led the way offensively, registering nine, eight and six kills, respectively. Carrk added 12 digs, matching a game-high with teammate Robert Nolan, along with two blocks. Grace finished with an ace and three blocks to go along with his assist totals.

"We have all players for Sunday finals and they are hungry to win," Petrus said.  

The Hawks will host No. 2 seed Vassar College Sunday in the UVC Championship match in Hawk Center at 1 p.m. 
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