NEW YORK, NY – The State University of New York New Paltz women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign Saturday afternoon against a formidable opponent in nationally No. 2-ranked New York University, falling to the host Violets at the John A. Paulson Center.
The Hawks (0-1) entered the season following a successful 2025-26 campaign that saw them finish 26-3 overall, capture their eighth SUNYAC Championship and advance to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. SUNY New Paltz faced an immediate challenge in its season opener against an NYU program that captured back-to-back NCAA Division III national championships in 2024 and 2025, completing both seasons undefeated. The Violets carried their winning streak to 91 consecutive games before suffering their first loss in three seasons in the 2026 Final Four against Scranton.
The Hawks answered the Violets' opening 3-pointer with one of their own, as Sierra Carter connected from beyond the arc off an assist from Layla Greene just 22 seconds into the contest. After NYU regained the advantage, Greene finished inside following a feed from Kelsey O'Brien to even the score at five with 8:40 remaining in the opening quarter.
NYU responded with a sustained offensive push, using its defensive pressure to create additional scoring opportunities and establish a 26-7 advantage through the first 10 minutes.
The Violets continued to build their lead in the second quarter, outscoring SUNY New Paltz 30-5 to take a 56-12 advantage into halftime.
SUNY New Paltz continued battling through the second half, with the Hawks adding seven points in the third quarter before closing the afternoon with five in the fourth. NYU maintained its offensive production throughout the contest to secure the season-opening result.
Greene paced SUNY New Paltz offensively with seven points on 3-for-6 shooting, adding three rebounds, three assists and a block. O'Brien followed with six points and a team-high eight rebounds, while Carter contributed five points, three rebounds and a game-high three blocks.
Kayden Cornell added three points off the bench, connecting on one of her two attempts from beyond the arc, while Summer Perry contributed two points and six rebounds.
The Violets were led by Brooke Batchelor and Yasmene Clark, who finished with 16 points apiece.
The Hawks finished with 10 steals and five blocked shots in the contest.
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