New York, NY- The Hunter College Women's Volleyball team defended their CUNYAC championship with a 3-0 victory over #1 seeded Baruch College last night at the Sportsplex.

Hunter avanvged a loss to Baruch earlier this month with an exciting and conviceing straight sets victory.  The start of the game was full of energy from both teams and a packed crowd.  Both teams came out aggressive on the offense side looking for big kills to spark their respective teams.  Hunter took an early 7-3 lead behind the attack of CUNYAC Player of the Year Julia Connolly.  However, the top-seeded Bearcats were ready to play and drew within two (15-13) after a series of good plays from senior Sydney Parks.  Both teams were playing to their full potential resulting in a 24-24 tie with the winner of the first set just two points away.  The set went back and forth with big play after big play.  Hunter finally took control and the end and came away with the first set and took a 1-0 lead with a 29-27 win.

Hunter picked up where the left off beginning the second set with a 6-0 lead from excellent serves from CUNYAC Rookie of the Year Miranda Hogan. Connolly's play lead the Hawks to a 10-3 lead as the set went on.  Two consecutive kills from senior Samantha Barrett pushed Hunter ahead 14-5. Hunter didn't look back and won the set 25-16 after tactical execution.

The Hawks came out fired up to begin Set 3 and took an early 9-4 lead and never took their foot off the gas.   Connolly, Barrett, and Hogan continued to pace the Hawks, along with outstanding net play from Middle Hitter Paola Martinez Hunter pushed forward to a 14-8.  The Hawks executed their gameplan and won the third set 25-14and became the 2015 CUNYAC Women's Volleyball Champions.

"It feels like mission accomplished..It's fascinating seeing such a nice group of kids enjoy themselves."  said Hunter Head Coach Val Lang.

Hunter was lead by CUNYAC Player of the Year Julia Connolly who had 6 kills and 7 digs while freshman standout Miranda Hogan dished out 31 assists. Baruch was led by Sydney Parks who had 8 kills and Crystle Dela Cruz who dished out 24 assists.  Sophomore outside hitter Julia Connolly was named the tournament MVP while Haley Trunkett and Angelica Mae Aquino were named to the All-Tournament team.

Up next for Hunter is a trip to the NCAA tournament, continue to follow us here at www.huntercollegeathletics.com for all the latest!