2/21/26
In a thrilling clash between two of the nation’s top ranked Division III programs, the No. 18 SUNY New Paltz Hawks showcased their resilience and home court advantage. The Hawks soared to a 3:1 victory with set scores of 19-25, 25-21, 25-19, and 25-17 over the No. 13 MIT Engineers. The matchup at the Hawk Center, lived up to the hype, featuring high level execution and 20 tie scores that kept fans engaged throughout the afternoon.
With this win, the Hawks improve to an impressive 11-5 overall and maintain a perfect 2-0 record in United Volleyball Conference (UVC) play. While MIT (11-3, 1-1 UVC) started strong by taking the opening set, New Paltz’s ability to elevate their game in clutch moments proved to be the difference maker.
Offensive Efficiency Powers the Hawks
The story of the match was New Paltz’s escalating efficiency. After a competitive start, the Hawks’ offense caught fire, culminating in a spectacular .360 hitting percentage in the final set. Overall, New Paltz outhit the Engineers .248 to .105, fueled by a disciplined attack that produced 43 kills.
Standout Performers for New Paltz:
- Geoff Ndoria: Led the way with a clinical 12 kills on a .455 hitting percentage, adding 13.5 total points.
- Nikko Tenedorio: A constant threat at the net, contributing 11 kills and 11.0 points.
- Matt Teplansky: Provided an incredible spark, recording 7 kills on just 10 attempts for a phenomenal .700 percentage in only two sets.
- Peter Brutschin: Stayed highly efficient with 7 kills on 13 swings for a .462 average.
Setter Matt Marusza was the engine of the offense, dishing out 29 assists and guiding the team through eight lead changes to secure the win.
A Spirited Effort from MIT
The Engineers showed exactly why they are a top 15 program, particularly in a strong first set where they hit 0.281. Braeden Baker delivered a powerhouse performance, leading all players with match highs in kills (19) and points (21.0).
MIT’s defensive front was also active, racking up 13 block assists, with Maddox Brandenburg contributing five of those assists at the net. Setter Colin Zimmerman kept the Engineers in the hunt with 31 assists and a well rounded stat line including three block assists.
Turning the Tide
While the match featured intense back and forth action, especially in the first three sets, New Paltz truly found their rhythm late in the contest. The Hawks’ defense, anchored by 35 digs, successfully neutralized MIT’s transitions in the closing frames.
By the fourth set, the Hawks were firing on all cylinders, out-killing the Engineers 11 to 9 while forcing 8 MIT errors to put an exclamation point on the victory.
Looking Ahead
This victory solidifies SUNY New Paltz as a premier contender in the UVC as they look toward the conference tournament. For MIT, the high level play of Baker and Zimmerman provides a strong foundation as they continue their season.