Middletown, CT — The State University of New York at New Paltz women's tennis team was on the road today for the first round of the 2024 NCAA Women's Tennis Tournament. Wesleyan University served as host as they were the top seed in the bracket. The matches were played outdoors on the John Wood Memorial Tennis Counts on Wesleyan's campus. This year marks the second consecutive year for the Hawks in the NCAA tournament.  

The Hawks faced off against the Eagles of Mary Washington University from Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Eagles were runners up in the Coast-to-Coast Conference Championships falling to Christopher Newport University. The Hawks fell to the Eagles 8-1 in a tough match which ended their season.  

"Although we came up short at the NCAA National Championships we could not have played any harder. The score doesn't reflect how hard we push a very good team. Proud of the team who represented the athletic department and New Paltz on the highest national stage. Congratulations to our 3 graduating seniors Tatiana, Loretta & Onalee, who have put so much time and effort in getting this program on to the highest NCAA stage. We will miss you, thank you so much. Go Hawks!," said Coach Rob Bruley. 

SENIOR QUOTES 

Tatiana Barnett 

"Playing on the women's tennis team at New Paltz was nothing short of an incredible experience. I've shared some good highs and lows with this team and they've taught me so much. I'd like to thank them for making this final season so special, especially my doubles partner Nina Genzone and my co-captain and lovely friend Loretta Donovan. I can't wait to see what the this team does in the coming years; I know it will be amazing." 

Loretta Donovan 

"What a wonderful end to the season. Justine and I have played doubles together for the past two years, and I couldn't imagine a better person to play with. We had close matches, and incredible wins against tough opponents; win or lose, it was always exciting and there was always a smile on my face. I'd like to thank her for making doubles fun, and for making my last season and match so special. Singles were incredible. I was lucky enough to be in between Tatiana Barnett and Olivia Kunz. Tatiana and I have played all four years together, and it's been nice to have a constant when players are graduating, and new freshmen have come in. She's been my best friend through college and tennis, and I'm glad I got to end the season playing next to her. Olive is also someone I'm grateful to have ended my college career next to. She's already grown so much, and I can't wait to see all the incredible things she's going to do. 

I've learned a lot in my past four years here. My freshman year, I was playing third doubles with Jenna Grandville and the occasional sixth singles match; and then as a senior I played first doubles with Justine and even made it to third singles one year. I've had some ups and downs on this team, and it hasn't always been easy, but I'm grateful for all of it. I have grown so much as a player and a person. I know the team is going to thrive next year, and I'm so excited for them already. I'd like to thank my grandparents for coming to every match they could, and for cheering so loudly; they are the reason I work so hard, and I'm forever grateful. I'd also like to thank Coach Bruley for always encouraging us to "go for it," and for taking a chance on me. I'm leaving and ending my collegiate career with so much knowledge and confidence, and I'll always be grateful for the experiences I've had as a part of New Paltz Women's Tennis. What a way to end the season; thank you everyone." 

Onalee Batcheller 

"As my last season comes to an end, I look back with great memories and am so grateful for the people I have met these last 5 years. I'm so lucky to have had an extra year of eligibility to continue what I love and be part of an amazing team. I'm proud to say that I have won 4 SUNYACs during my tennis career and was able to lead the team for 2 of them. Lastly, I want to say thank you to Coach Rob Bruley for the support he has shown me on and off the court each year." 

 
Today's match marks the end of the 2023-2024 women's tennis season. The Hawks bid farewell to their three graduating seniors Tatiana Barnett, Onalee Batcheller & Loretta Donovan. The Hawks will return next fall for the 2024-2025 campaign in pursuit of their third straight SUNYAC title.  
 
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