New Paltz outlasts Vassar in semis

SUNY New Paltz knocked off top-seeded Vassar College in four sets Friday, earning a berth in today’s championship match in the United Volleyball Conference tournament.

The Hawks survived a firstset battle and avenged a regular-season loss to Vassar with the hard-earned 34-32, 25-22, 24-26, 25-18 semifinal triumph. New Paltz looks to defend its UVC title and take the next big step toward repeating as Division III national champions as it takes on either New York University or Stevens in the 2 p.m. final at Vassar.

The first set was a struggle, with (24-7) New Paltz fighting off four set points for the Brewers and Vassar denying five set points for the Hawks. Jake Roessler finally settled matters with consecutive kills and a block.

Vassar, which came from two sets down to win the regularseason meeting, forced a fourth set Friday, but the Hawks soon took control. Steven Woessner won the match on an ace.

Roessler (22 kills, six digs), Anthony Bonilla (14 kills, nine digs) and Woessner (11 kills, five digs) dominated both offensively and defensively for New Paltz. Matthew Grace (46 assists, eight digs) directed the attack. Freshman Nick O’Malley (six kills, four aces) and libero Robert Nolan (15 digs, five assists) also had big contributions.

Zechariah Lee (44 assists, eight digs), Matthew Knigge (19 kills), George Diehl (eight kills) and Christian Lizana (eight digs) led the way for (28-7) Vassar.

Vassar, which came from two sets down to win the regularseason meeting, forced a fourth set Friday, but the Hawks soon took control. Steven Woessner won the match on an ace.