VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — The SUNY New Paltz women's volleyball team concluded its weekend at the Marlin Invitational Saturday, battling Millikin University in a four-set match before closing the tournament against No. 22 Batten University.
The Hawks opened Saturday against Millikin, pushing the Big Blue throughout the opening set before ultimately falling in four, 26-24, 25-15, 22-25, 25-15.
SUNY New Paltz battled from behind in a tightly contested first frame, keeping itself within striking distance before making a late push. The Hawks fought their way into the closing points of the set, but Millikin ultimately edged out the 26-24 victory to take an early advantage.
Millikin carried the momentum into the second and created separation to earn a 25-15 win, putting SUNY New Paltz in a two-set deficit.
SUNY New Paltz put together a balanced effort offensively and hit .179 in the set while limiting Millikin enough to stay in control down the stretch. The Hawks held off a late push to secure a 25-22 victory and extend the match.
Millikin answered in the fourth, however, pulling away to earn a 25-15 win and close out the four-set decision.
Genevieve Boyle highlighted the match for SUNY New Paltz with a double-double, finishing with a team-high 12 kills while adding 20 digs. Jordyn Lewis anchored the back row with 19 digs, while Jacklyn Bitter totaled 11 digs and four service aces.
The Hawks also produced a strong effort at the net, totaling 12 blocks in the match. Lola Konopa led the way with six total blocks, while Christine Balbona added five.
SUNY New Paltz returned to the court later Saturday to conclude the tournament against No. 22 Batten University, with the nationally ranked Marlins earning a 25-11, 25-17, 25-8 victory.
The Hawks found their best stretch in the second set, working to remain within range before Batten eventually created separation late in the frame. The Marlins then carried the momentum into the third to close out the match in straight sets.
Lewis once again paced the SUNY New Paltz defense with 15 digs, while Boyle added two service aces. The Hawks finished with a 2-1 advantage in blocks.
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