Morrisville, NY – The State University of New York New Paltz defeated SUNY Morrisville Friday, 62-44, to continue their four-game winning streak into the last leg of their regular season schedule.
The Hawks (15-8 overall, 14-2 SUNYAC) took the reins over the Mustangs in both the Hawk Center and the STUAC Center. In their first matchup, the Hawks took the win 66-46, the second match nearly identical, with SUNY New Paltz coming out on top by over 15 points.
With the Hawks' victory over Morrisville, SUNY New Paltz still has a chance to host the SUNYAC tournament depending on tomorrow's match on the road against the Cortland Dragons.
The Hawks wasted no time setting the tone, as Julia Sabatino opened the game with a driving layup to put her team on the board first. The opening minutes were fueled by high-intensity play, with both teams exchanging steals in a rapid back-and-forth transition battle. Morrisville called a timeout after Abby Korzekwinski capitalized on a second-chance opportunity off a Sabatino assist, breaking up SUNY New Paltz's early momentum with 6:21 left in the first quarter. The Mustangs responded, taking their first lead of the game when Hannah Bonczkowski sank a three-pointer with 4:18 remaining in the period, making the score 10-11.
The Hawks answered swiftly, as Sierra Carter silenced Morrisville's brief lead with a deep three-pointer, which swung the momentum back in SUNY New Paltz's favor. Sabatino continued to drive the tempo, nabbing a steal and finishing in transition with under two minutes to go, securing an 18-17 lead at the quarter break after Morrisville snuck in two free throws at the buzzer.
Hannah Vanderzee opened the second quarter with a strong take to the hoop, igniting the Hawks' offense. Madison Mullman stuck a three-pointer at the 7-minute mark, extending the lead while the defense held the Mustangs scoreless deep into the quarter. Carter kept the pressure on, drilling another three following a Morrisville shot clock violation.
The Mustangs managed their first points of the quarter with just five minutes remaining, but the Hawks refused to let up. After a brief scoring drought, Sophia Bonnell stepped up to sink a free throw, maintaining the lead. Sabatino capped off the half with an acrobatic layup, sending the Hawks into the locker room ahead at the half, 31-24.
Bonnell made sure the second half started with a bang, immediately draining a three-pointer to widen the gap. Morrisville fought back with a quick five-point run, momentarily closing the deficit. Mullman snapped a three-minute scoring stalemate with a smooth jumper, reigniting the Hawks' fire.
With crisp ball movement, Bonnell drilled another deep three, pushing the lead to 39-31. SUNY New Paltz took a timeout with four minutes left in the quarter, up 39-33, to regroup in order to sustain its defensive intensity. Out of the break, Sabatino knocked down a free throw before Carter splashed another three, stretching the lead once more. Bonnell wasn't done yet, sinking yet another three-pointer with 3:20 remaining.
The Hawks continued to set the tone on both ends, with the bench erupting after a forced charge regained possession. Morrisville finally ended a four-minute drought with a three to close the quarter, but SUNY New Paltz still held a commanding 48-36 advantage entering the fourth.
Morgan Hammel came out firing in the final period, hitting back-to-back three-pointers in under a minute. After another brief scoreless stretch, Karly Wittenbauer broke through with a quick layup. Grace Cozzins showcased her hustle, fighting for an offensive rebound and converting the put-back to keep SUNY New Paltz rolling. Wittenbauer finished off the Mustangs with a jumper in the paint to leave the final score 62-44.
Sierra Carter led the team with 13 points on the day in 24 minutes played. Sabatino earned a game-high nine rebounds, four steals, and two blocks with her gritty defense.
SUNY New Paltz hits the road again Saturday to face the Red Dragons in Cortland at 2 p.m. The Hawks will have a week break before their final regular season game on February 22 at 2 p.m. against Oneonta at home.
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