By Ryan Novitsky
NEW PALTZ – After winning their second-ever SUNYAC title last season, the women’s basketball team at the State University of New York at New Paltz is receiving votes in the 2016-17 D3hoops.com Preseason Poll, released on Oct. 26.
The Hawks finished last season 21-7 overall, going 14-4 in SUNYAC play and earned the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament, defeating SUNY Geneseo in the championship game, 65-52. New Paltz then went on to play at Rowan in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament, falling to the host Profs, 93-75.
Under the guidance of 11th-year head coach Jamie Seward, the Hawks welcome back a solid crew of returners including senior Kit Small and senior Courtney Irby, who both earned All-SUNYAC honors last year.
The 2016-17 season tips-off for the Hawks on Tuesday, Nov. 15 as New Paltz travels to Hudson River rival Vassar for a 7 p.m. non-conference tilt. The home opener for New Paltz is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. versus Hartwick.
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