This fall season has been one for the books for the State University of New York at New Paltz Athletic program, as multiple teams have made history. Three programs, including women’s volleyball, women’s tennis and field hockey, all won State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) titles, as four out of five teams in the season finished with winning records. The New Paltz Oracle would like to honor the best athletes of the 2018 fall season, and congratulate those who have made our department so successful. Go Hawks!
Emily Cavanagh, third-year, women’s cross country
Cavanagh led her team in two out of six meets, placing 13th in the Connecticut College invite, as well as a sixth-place finish to pace her team in the SUNYAC meet. Following her performance in the conference finals, Cavanagh was named to the SUNYAC Hall of Fame, as well as named to the second-team all-conference.
Stephen Smith, fourth-year, men’s cross country
Smith finished the season with two top-ten finishes, while also leading the men’s side in three out of six meets. Unable to compete in the last two meets of the season, the senior finished ninth in the Vassar College meet Aug. 31, fourth in the Vassar invite on Sept. 8 and 13th in the Bill Fritz invitational on Sept. 15.
Rachael Purtell, fourth-year forward, women’s soccer
Scoring a goal against SUNY Fredonia Sept. 21, and kicking an assist Sept. 2 against Smith College, the senior was tied for most points on her team with three. She started in 10 matches for the Hawks this season.
Meredith Dignan, fourth-year setter, women’s volleyball
Named the SUNYAC tournament MVP, Dignan ended her career with an illustrious season, leading the Hawks in assists with 1133 to lead the SUNYAC in assists-per-set with 9.77. Also leading New Paltz in service aces with 48, she was also named to the SUNYAC all-tournament team.
Cassandra Williams, second-year, women’s cross country
Williams earned her two first-ever, first-place finishes this season, leading the pack in the Vassar College invite Sept. 8, and in the Bill Fritz invitational Sept. 15. Leading her team in three out of six meets, the sophomore earned a Third-Team All-SUNYAC selection, to go along with her Elite 20 Award, given to the top athletes in each sport, who are also in high academic standing.
Kevin Doorley, second-year midfielder, men’s soccer
The sophomore had a career year for the Hawks, leading New Paltz in every single category. Doorley led with 34 points, 13 goals, eight assists, 60 shots, 24 shots-on-goal and three game winning goals. He led the SUNYAC in points, and was also second in goals and assists in the conference, earning a spot on the first-team all-SUNYAC.
Laura Koob, first-year, women’s tennis
Leading the Hawks to an undefeated season to win the SUNYAC title, Koob went 11-0 in singles in her first season as a Hawk. Like her doubles partner, first-year Trinity Chow, Koob was also named to the first-team all-conference for her showing in singles, as well as doubles.
Ryan Dowling, first-year goalkeeper, field hockey
Named the MVP in the SUNYAC tournament, Dowling was second in the conference with 153 saves, also coming in second in save percentages at .818. She was third in the SUNYAC in goals-against average at 1.83, and had two shutouts throughout the year.
Sebastian G-S Archer, fourth-year defenseman, men’s soccer
Named to the first-team all-SUNYAC this season, Archer was a strong force for the Hawks on defense, as New Paltz had four shutouts this year. The senior was also fifth on the team in points with seven, scoring three goals with one assist.
Madison Van Pelt, third-year outside hitter, women’s volleyball
Leading the Hawks’ offense with 355 kills, Van Pelt was also third in the SUNYAC in kills. She was named to the SUNYAC all-tournament team for her 14 kills in the championship game win over SUNY Geneseo.
Megan Tornatore, second-year goalkeeper, women’s soccer
Ranking fifth in the SUNYAC with 70 saves, Tornatore held her own in net for the Hawks this season. The sophomore had a shutout performance on Sept. 15, in a 1-0 win over Manhattanville College.
Trinity Chow, first-year, women’s tennis
Chow went 6-0 in singles in her first year as a Hawk. The first-year was named to the first-team all-conference for her performance in singles, as well as her performance in doubles, with the SUNYAC singles win leader, first-year Laura Koob.
Barrett Celecki, fourth-year, men’s cross country
Ending his career as a Hawk, Celecki was named to the third-team all-conference this season. The senior led the men’s side in the SUNYAC championship, coming in 14th place with a 29:45.3 finish.
Jessica Ascencao, first-year back, field hockey
Named to the first-team all-conference in her first year as a Hawk, the freshman led New Paltz in points with 28, scoring 12 goals, one of them a game-winner and sending four assists. Fourth in the SUNYAC with 28 points, Ascencao was also named to the conference all-tournament team.