Box Score Binghamton, NY – The State University of New York at New Paltz women's tennis team advanced to the championship round of the SUNYAC Tournament Thursday after defeating SUNYAC West No. 2 seed Fredonia State, 5-0.

Entering the tournament as the SUNYAC East's top seed, the Hawks needed to defeat the Blue Devils in order to move on to the finals at the Binghamton Tennis Center at 8 p.m.

SUNY New Paltz coach Rob Bruley decided to switch up his lineup against Fredonia, moving Onalee Batcheller and Alexandra Dratch to first doubles, Jenna Grandville and Loretta Donovan to second and a new partnership of Tatiana Barnett and Alex Chimenti to third doubles to start the day. The shakeup was beneficial, resting first doubles partners Trinity Chow and Laura Koob for the finals later in the evening. 
Batcheller and Dratch had a tough matchup against Jane Chiacchia and Gabby Gance who forced a tiebreaker, but the Hawks finished strong and earned the 8-7 win. Grandville and Donovan handily won their match against Fredonia's Taylor Marelli and Bella Surma, 8-1, while Barnett and Chimenti completed the doubles sweep after defeating Dominique Martello and Sarah O'Leary, 8-1. 

"I thought Fredonia played very well. They had a strong one doubles team," said SUNY New Paltz coach Rob Bruley. "Onalee [Batcheller] and Ali [Dratch] had a slow start but found a way to come out with the 8-7 win. Jenna and Loretta moved up to two and they played well like they have been, and Tatiana and Alex anchored the third."

The win at second doubles was the sixth-straight for Grandville and Donovan, who has only dropped eight points in six matches they've played together this fall. They've quietly become one of the most consistent doubles duos for the Hawks and they hope to keep their undefeated record alive for their 8 p.m. match with a SUNYAC title on the line.

"Great partnership, it's a shame it's coming to an end after this year with Jenna graduating but Loretta has done a fantastic job this year," Bruley said. "She really held her own and really the most important position as the anchor. She and her other freshman teammate Tatiana really stepped up to the plate. The future of New Paltz Tennis are these two. I love nothing more for them to become SUNYAC champions."

Koob quickly gave SUNY New Paltz a 4-0 lead after winning first singles, 6-0, 6-2 over Chiacchia. Batcheller officially solidified the Hawks victory, defeating the Blue Devils' Taylor Marelli in third singles, 6-1, 6-1. Grandville began her game at twos and held a 6-2, 3-1 lead over Gance before Batcheller closed out her match. Singles matches four through six didn't get the opportunity to begin, as SUNY New Paltz had already wrapped up the victory.

For the third-straight year, the Hawks will face Catskill Cup rival SUNY Oneonta in the finals, which is set to begin at 8 p.m. Chow is expected to be back in Bruley's lineup both at first singles and first doubles.

"Great way to prepare for the final," Bruley said. "Looking forward for a real test tonight. Hopefully try to beat them tonight. I think they're ready to defend the SUNYAC Championship."

To watch the SUNYAC Championship live at Binghamton Tennis Center, click here.

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