NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – The Cortland women's volleyball team lost to host New Paltz in straight sets in the SUNYAC tournament championship match. The Hawks (32-5) defeated the Red Dragons (25-12) by set scores of 25-16, 25-11 and 25-18 and earned an automatic berth into the NCAA playoffs. Cortland will await a possible NCAA at-large berth, which will be announced on Monday.

Sophomore Sheena Asibey (Brentwood) led Cortland with 11 kills and sophomore Kaitlyn Cooper (Rochester/Webster Schroeder) added seven kills. Freshman Kristen Guercio (Smithtown/Smithtown East) added 25 assists and freshman Katie Wick (Cortland/Homer) recorded 20 digs.

Cortland seniors Michelle Gaufman (Wantagh/MacArthur) and Ariel Rakita (Lake Grove/Sachem) were named to the all-tournament team. Rakita finished with five kills and eight digs and Gaufman had three kills in the championship match.

Cortland appeared in the SUNYAC championship match for the 24th time in the 26-year history of the tournament. The Red Dragons have won 16 league titles and have placed second eight times.

New Paltz has won 31 of its last 32 matches. Brittany Coyle led the Hawks with nine kills and was named tournament MVP. Alison Kiernan also had nine kills and was chosen to the all-tournament team.

(NOTE: Cortland did not receive an NCAA tournament at-large berth when the pairings were announced on Monday, Nov. 9.)