New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz hosted RIT Saturday on the North Tennis Courts and battled hard with four of sixth singles matchups going into a third set tie-break, but the Tigers pulled away the 6-1 victory.
 
The Hawks dropped their overall record to 10-7 overall as they enter postseason play next week, as they conclude a tough non-conference spring schedule where they went 3-7 since coming back to action in 2025.
 
A very close match saw four out of six singles go to third set matches," said Hawks coach Rob Bruley. "These past three tough matches have fully prepared us for the upcoming conference championships."
 
RIT won doubles action to start with the Hawks winning at third doubles, as Olivia Kunz and Nina Genzone notched a 6-4 victory over the Tigers' Abby Finchum and Gabby Donahue. Kunz was victorious in singles play as well, fighting hard to earn a 6-2, 7-5 win at fourth singles.
 
SUNY New Paltz lost at first and second doubles, 6-2, while its first, third, fifth and sixth singles play went into a third set. Justine Stanejko fell at ones, 6-2, 3-6, 2-6. Isabel van der Veen succumbed to a 6-4, 2-6, 2-6 loss at third singles, while Angelica Gabriel dropped a 6-3, 1-6, 6-7 match at fifth singles. Alyssa Trokie was the last to finish and fell just short at sixth singles, 7-5, 4-6, 6-7. Meanwhile, Sydney Sladicka lost 6-1, 6-1 at second singles.
 
 
"Highlight of the day was Olivia Kunz winning at third doubles with her partner Nina Genzone," Bruley said. "Olivia Then followed up with a two-set win in singles."
 
As the Hawks concluded regular season play, competing at home for the last time on the year, the Hawks honored their two graduating seniors van der Veen and Amirah Alston for their dedication and commitment to the program over the course of their careers.
 
"I would also like to thank my two seniors Isabel van der Veen and Airah Alston. These two seniors have been the mainstay of the success our program has achieved over the past two years," Bruley said. "We hope with the upcoming conference championships both Isabal and Amirah can cap off an amazing four years on our tennis program with three SUNYAC Conference Championships. Thank you both for all your dedication to improving our New Paltz Tennis program and I wish you all the very best for your future plans."
 
The Hawks begin postseason play in the SUNYAC Tournament, facing No. 4 seed Plattsburgh State in the semifinal round April 25 at the Binghamton Tennis Center.


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