New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz Women's Volleyball team prepares for an intense weekend of high competition and team milestones. Going into Friday evening, the Hawks will play nationally ranked No. 25 Ithaca, to then turn around on Saturday to face both Manhattanville College and Williams College. The evening match against Williams will also serve as the program's Senior Day, honoring seven SUNY New Paltz volleyball student-athletes. 

Their first match is against Ithaca College (7-3). The Bombers are averaging 13.25 kills, 14.31 digs, and 1.53 blocks per set, with only 0.22 ball-handling errors. They are led by Senior Jamie Koopman, a 6'0 middle/right side who has totaled 108 kills and 20 blocks for the season. Other players to watch include freshman outside hitter Gabriela Gonzalez-Abreu who boasts 105 kills and senior defensive specialist Julia Costa, who has recorded 139 digs and 12 aces.  

Ithaca defeated No. 4 ranked NYU in its season-opener, beat SUNY Geneseo in five sets, and swept SUNY Cortland in three. 

The Bombers have not lost to SUNY New Paltz since 2016 and swept the Hawks in three sets in their last confrontation (25-15, 25-16, 25-19). The matchup is the first nationally ranked team the Hawks will face this season, but they have been preparing all week, both mentally and physically.  

"We've been practicing pushing our limits, whether it's going for a more aggressive shot, making plays on defense, or changing our serve speed," said senior libero Melanie Podstupka, who reached her 500th career dig milestone in the team's last home tournament Sept. 8-9. "This mindset shift towards fearless and aggressive play is intended to make the other teams uncomfortable and keep them on their toes. I believe this continuous improvement and focused approach is what will lead us to success this weekend." 
 

The Hawks will then compete the following day, facing Manhattanville College and Williams College. In the morning match, the Manhattanville Valiants (4-6) will show their competitiveness on the court. Manhattanville averages about 11.58 kills and 17 digs per set.  

The Valiants faced Western Connecticut State, losing in straight sets, whereas the Hawks defeated the Wolves in four sets on the road Sept. 6. They boast just one player over six feet tall, in comparison to SUNY New Paltz's roster with four six-foot players to hold the obvious size advantage at the net where Manhattanville is only averaging just 0.81 blocks per set. Standout players include graduate student setter Vianca Vital, who has surpassed 300 assists already this season, and the defensive duo of two senior middles Sofia Morales and Meghan Wildes, who have 13 blocks each for the season.  

In the latter game, SUNY New Paltz will play the Williams College Ephs, who are the Hawks' last non-SUNYAC opponent before it dives into SUNYAC play. Williams is currently undefeated (7-0), winning against teams such as Skidmore, WPI, and Union. The Hawks also defeated Union College, sweeping them in three sets, matching Williams' winning score against the Garnet Chargers.  

The Ephs have some impressive players in their rotation, including 6'2 senior middle hitter Marit Hoyem, who leads the team with 70 kills and was recently named the NESCAC Player of the Week. The Ephs' size is also noteworthy, as nine of their 17 players over six feet tall, and defensively they average 1.8 blocks per game. The last time SUNY New Paltz met Williams, the Hawks took the match in four sets and overall are 6-6 against the Ephs all time. 

Ahead of the final match of Saturday night, the team will honor their seven graduating members which includes Podstupka, setters Cate DiGiacomo and Dana Collins, outside hitters Mackenzie Williams, Samantha Cox and Victoria Venus and defensive specialist Kayleigh Emanuelson. 

"Senior Day is always a great day to celebrate the special group of people leading this year's team and have them recognized in front of their teammates and peers, and I'm so impressed with how they've grown as athletes and more importantly people since their first year," said SUNY New Paltz coach Matt Giufre, who has surpassed an impressive milestone of 500 career wins earlier this season.  "Of course, once the whistle blows, all we want to do is win." 

The players on the court share that winning mindset, especially the seniors. "Senior day is a special occasion and a milestone for myself and the six other seniors, but my main focus is on the matches this weekend," commented Podstupka. "We want to reflect and appreciate all the time and work our seniors have put into the program in their careers, but still continue forward and end our careers on the high note we are all striving for." 

Podstupka, as the starting libero, leads the Hawks in digs with 157 for the season. Junior Jamie Albrecht leads SUNY New Paltz in two statistical categories: blocks (25.0) and kills (117), while Williams closely trails Albrecht in kills with 113. Letisha Perez is a constant contributor to the Hawks scoreboard with 129 total points this season, while Emanuelson has collected 15 service aces for the season. DiGiacomo has accumulated 344 assists thus far as the Hawks' starting setter and received SUNYAC Offensive Player of the Week honors earlier in the season.  

"We are excited to host three high-quality teams this weekend and look forward to the competition," said Giufre. "Exciting volleyball will be played throughout the two days."  

SUNY New Paltz is set to face Ithaca Friday in the Hawk Center at 6 p.m. before taking on Manhattanville at 10:30 a.m. and Williams at 5:15 p.m. to conclude the New Paltz Challenge Tournament.  

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