New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz announced the approval of a modified United Volleyball Conference 2021 schedule for the Hawks men's volleyball program Thursday.
The Hawks join four other UVC teams: Vassar, St. John Fisher, Elmira and Nazareth who will compete in an eight-match conference schedule. SUNY New Paltz will face the Brewers, Cardinals, Eagles and Golden Flyers twice in a doubleheader style single-day matches.
Although SUNY New Paltz will have a 10-game schedule against conference opponents, only eight matches will count toward conference play with the other two serving as non-conference competition.
To read the full UVC press release click here.
The Hawks open up their season against St. John Fisher March 20 with Elmira College serving as the neutral site of competition. The two teams will play each other in back-to-back games and both matches will count toward UVC play. SUNY New Paltz will host its only regular season home contest four days later against No. 4 nationally ranked Vassar College. The two teams will play a doubleheader in the Hawk Center, but only the first match will count toward conference play and the second serving as a non-conference contest. Start times are yet to be determined. 
Following the Hawks' home opener against Vassar, the team will head back to Elmira March 28, this time to face the hosting Eagles for another two-game series with both games counting toward UVC play. The defending UVC champions will then face Vassar in Poughkeepsie, NY March 31. Only the first game of the two will count toward the conference standings. SUNY New Paltz will finish the regular season at Elmira once again but will play Nazareth in back-to-back matchups with both results counting toward conference play.
In accordance with the UVC, New York State and campus guidelines, SUNY New Paltz will not permit spectators, including parents and students, to attend contests at this time. Any future decisions on spectator attendance will follow New York State, SUNY, local department of health and institutional guidelines. Live streaming links for all Hawks home and away contests will be provided the men's volleyball team schedule.
The UVC Tournament will be limited to a two-round tournament with the No.1 and No. 4 seeds, and No. 2 and No. 3 seeds facing off in the semifinal round, which is scheduled for April 9 with the winners playing in the championship April 11. Hosting sites are yet to be determined.
The Hawks, ranked No. 2 in the most recent NVA/AVCA DIII Coaches Poll just behind Springfield College, remain the defending national champs following the program's second national championship in 2019, and premature cancelation of the 2020 season due to COVID-19. SUNY New Paltz hopes to capture its second consecutive NCAA crown by first retaining its UVC Championship title, as they had won the conference tournament two years ago en route to their national championship winning season. A UVC title would guarantee the Hawks a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
To view the full Hawks men's volleyball regular season schedule click here.
Throughout the spring season any media member (both student and outside publications) can apply for a press pass through the Athletic Communications Office. If issued a press credential to attend a match, the media member will be limited to designated media locations in the gym, must mask at all times and maintain social distancing from all parties. Decisions on issuance of a press pass will be made at the sole discretion of the Athletic Communications Director.
Post-game and pre-game virtual interviews must all be scheduled through the Athletic Communications Office.
For all media inquires regarding SUNY New Paltz Athletics, contact Hawks Athletic Communications Director Monica D'Ippolito at dippolim@newpaltz.edu.
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