New Paltz, NY – The State University of New York at New Paltz swept Plattsburgh Saturday in its SUNYAC season opener, 7-0 in a battle of the birds.

"We had a very confident start to the conference season as we prepare to defend our title," said Hawks coach Rob Bruley.
 
SUNY New Paltz swept all three doubles matches by a wide margin. Justine Stanejko and Isabel van der Veen won both their match 6-0 at first doubles. The pair of Sydney Sladicka and Angelica Gabriel won their match 6-1 at twos, while Nina Genzone and Olivia Kunz dominated their match as well, beating the Cardinals 6-1 and third doubles. 
 
Stanejko displayed some of her amazing defensive technique Saturday, not letting her opponent win a single point. She won both sets 6-0. Sladicka had a great afternoon as well, winning her first set 6-1 and the second 6-0 to claim her first singles victory of her collegiate career. Van der Veen won both sets 6-1, adding another win to her career at third singles. Amirah Alston followed suit winning both of her sets 6-1, earning the match at fourth singles. Kunz and Gabriel both won each set with a score of 6-0 at fifth and sixth singles, respectively. 

"We started extremely strong in our three doubles matches and I was very happy with our aggressive play at the net," Bruley said. "After winning all three doubles matches, our confidence was very high going into singles play. I'm very pleased with how everyone and and I am happy that Sydney Sladicka achieved her first win as a freshman. This match is a great start to our conference season and we hope to keep the momentum as we head to Oneonta Wednesday for our second conference match."
 
The weekend isn't over for the Hawks. The team hopes to continue their hot streak 9 a.m. Sunday morning at the Vassar Tournament in Poughkeepsie, NY where they will face the hosting Brewers, New York University and Hamilton College. 
 

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