New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz came out on top against the Plattsburgh Cardinals in a three-set match (25-9, 25-19, 25-22). 
 
The Hawks showed their skill right from the first whistle. Cate DiGiacomo assisted Mackenzie Williams for a kill on the initial point. The Cardinals were able to get on the scoreboard with a kill, but the Hawks turned up the heat offensively, scoring 13 points in a row. Williams served for 12 straight points, accumulated four service aces during the run, and the score was 15-1 before Plattsburgh could gain another point. Possession altered between the two teams, until the Cardinals went on a small four-point run. Their offensive opportunities were quickly diminished, and after another dominant kill by Williams, they would not score again. Three service aces from Kayleigh Emanuelson and two more kills by Williams finished off the set, the score reading 25-9 for the first. 
 
In the second set, the Cardinals contended more with SUNY New Paltz. The Hawks were consistently scoring, with numerous kills from Williams, Letisha Perez, and Lexi Stragalas. But whenever SUNY New Paltz seemed to build momentum, Plattsburgh would be there with an interrupting kill. The score would stay close until the final moments of the set, but two consecutive errors from the Cardinals gave the Hawks the second, 25-19. 
 
 
The third set proved to be a battle. Plattsburgh was able to get off to a quick 5-0 lead, until Williams retaliated with yet another kill, giving the Hawks their first point. The score was back and forth between the competitors until SUNY New Paltz tied the score with an ace by Emanuelson, and a kill by Williams put the Hawks ahead 14-13. The score would remain tight, and a kill by the Cardinals tied the score at the 19-point mark. Victoria Venus got a kill to break the tie, and the Hawks went on to score four more points, making the score 23-19. Despite Plattsburgh going on a small run to try to overtake the home team, a powerful kill by Jamie Albrecht and a silencing block by Perez gave the Hawks their third and final set, with a score of 25-22.
The Hawks earned the 3-0 sweep for the second consecutive night in its final regular season home game and their second to last SUNYAC matchup with only Oneonta loomig Wednesday. 
 
"It seems like preseason was a week ago and here we are playing our last regular season home match," said Hawks Coach Matt Giufre. "It's a reminder of how important it is to take each day to its fullest and take nothing for granted."
 
Williams led in kills, totaling 11, while also having an impressive seven service aces, her season high. Albrecht followed in kills with nine, and Perez had six. Emanuelson recorded four service aces. 
 
"These two wins this weekend are important as we get into the stretch run of the season" said Giufre, regarding the Hawks victories over Potsdam and Plattsburgh. "Now our focus continues to be getting better every day and preparing for another important conference match on Wednesday."
 
Going on the road, the Hawks will face Oneonta in their last SUNYAC competition Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.

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