This week’s article is a little different as it is my last one. I’m very thankful for my time as Sports Editor and I love my Oracle staff, but this honorary Hawk is leaving its nest. I wanted to showcase the student athletes’ hard work and dedication while giving them a voice to celebrate on this campus. Here are the Wins of the Week:
On April 29, SUNY New Paltz Women’s Tennis crushed Onenota’s Red Dragons in the SUNYAC Women’s Tennis Championship, 5-0. This is the program’s eighth SUNYAC Championship under Coach Rob Bruley, who led the Hawks to reclaim their deserving title. Here are what those Hawks have to be proud of:
Loretta Donovan, New Paltz Women’s tennis player and third-year psychology major
“I’m proud of how my doubles partner, Justine, and I played,” Donovan said. Donovan and Justine Stanejko proved to be a powerful duo after swiftly sweeping the first doubles 8-1. “We started playing together in the fall, and we just clicked. We’ve played some tough matches this season, and it was clear on SUNYAC weekend that we’ve grown so much,” she said. “I [also] had a huge oral argument presentation/law simulation for my civil liberties class on Tuesday. I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare because of SUNYACS, but even with the time constraint, I managed to perform well and give a good argument.”
Onalee Batcheller, New Paltz Women’s tennis player and fourth-year business management major
“As captain, I’m really proud of the team this year. We have continued playing with confidence even in the face of adversity. After last year’s devastating loss in the finals, we didn’t let that discourage us. It’s really important to adapt in tennis and the team has worked so hard this year to win the SUNYAC Championship and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament,” she said. “I was personally proud of my volleys during the SUNYAC Championship. I think I’ve grown to be a net player over my tennis career which was a goal of mine since my freshman year.”
On that same day, New Paltz Men’s Lacrosse was able to push through and beat SUNY Brockport in a nail-biting 8-7 game that allowed for the program’s first-ever SUNYAC playoff berth. Here are what the stars of the show had to say:
Ryan Steinhart, New Paltz Men’s lacrosse goalie and third-year finance major
“I am proud of stepping up in big moments for my team,” he said. “I’m [also] proud of us for going from one conference win to four wins, and a playoff spot!”
Ryan Scully, New Paltz Men’s lacrosse midfielder and fourth-year business major
“I would say the biggest thing I’m proud of is the way our team has come together throughout the year. It has been a pleasure being able to come out and work with the guys and despite all the hardship we faced this year, we were able to start cementing a legacy, which is something we set out to do from the beginning,” he said. Scully scored once and assisted twice in the overtime game against Brockport. “Another thing I’m really proud of are the two players on our team who were able to get All-Conference nods this season — Matt Brignati and Ryan Steinhart, as well as my fellow seniors who won’t be returning.” Steinhart, a third-year goalie was incredible in this game, stopping Brockport 19 times and has received the SUNYAC Defensive Player of the Week. “I’ve cherished the time we have spent together and can’t wait to see what all you are going to achieve in the future,” said Scully.
