Orlando, FL — The State University of New York at New Paltz played a tough match against Rhodes College Tuesday, but ultimately took an 8-1 loss on the second day of its spring break trip.
 
"They were one of the strongest teams we've ever played," said Hawks coach Rob Bruley. "Extremely strong, extremely technical. We stayed in it, we stayed in the points… really good challenge. We learned a lot from it. Sometimes you can learn a lot from a defeat like this."
 
SUNY New Paltz only victory came at first doubles with Trinity Chow and Anya Barteck defeating the Lynx duo of Michelle Adan-Pol and Emma McHale, 8-4. Chow nearly came back to earn a victory at first singles against Rhodes' top player Esme Benjamin, winning the second set, 8-6 after falling in the first, 6-2, but fell short in the tie-breaker, 10-7. 
Despite the loss, Bruley was happy with what he saw from his team, as each match, despite the end result, was competitive with the Hawks making the Lynx earn each point.
 
"They're excited. They want to be challenged. Here every single point was a major point. One through Six the singles played really well," Bruley said. "It was played in great spirits and a lot of respect and they raised to the challenge. If we can take something out of these losses, we're going to be better for it."
 
The Hawks are back on the court Wednesday to face another strong opponent, but a more familiar one in the Liberty League's St. Lawrence University at Gatlin Park for an 11:30 a.m. match.
 
"Expecting a tough one tomorrow," Bruley added. "It's really going to be no different of what we've experienced the last couple days. We have to be on point and can't take anything for granted."

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