Fall Season Update

A Season of Growth, Grit, and Getting Back on the Pitch

As the regular season winds down, both New Paltz teams have faced their fair share of challenges and bright spots. Let’s take a look at how things have unfolded as we head into the final stretch.

🏉 Men’s Team: Learning Year, Last Game This Weekend

The men’s team continues to rebuild after graduating a large senior class. With a roster full of new players, they’ve used this season to find their footing and develop match experience.

October 5 – vs. USMMA Kings Point
Home | Lost 15-100

Tries: Taha Syed (2), Elliot Crocco (1, in his rookie season)
President Matt Yates called it a “great effort from a young New Paltz squad.”

The following two matches were unfortunately canceled. One due to Montclair’s inability to field a side, and the other due to an administrative issue with Coach Joel Venables’ registration (now resolved).

🗓️ Next (and final) game:
Saturday, October 26 vs SUNY Maritime – Home

🦅 Women’s Team: Playoff-Bound After Gritty Season

It’s been a scrappy and resilient fall for the women’s side, who now head into the Tri-State Conference Quarterfinals this weekend.

October 5 – vs. Hofstra (Home)
✅ Win 21-15

Tries: Ash Champlain (1), Liam Gorlin (2)
Conversions: Gorlin (3/3)
New Paltz fielded exactly 15 players and finished the game 14 vs 15 after a red card. Despite the heat and adversity, they pulled off a gutsy win.

Player Highlight:
Noelle Boruta was sent off after a head clash and walked away with 7 stitches above her eye, proof of the team’s physical commitment.

Coach Gel Silva-Perez said:

The success of the fundraiser allowed the team to rent a bus for their October 12th rematch at Hofstra.

October 12 – @ Hofstra (Away)
❌ Loss 5-81

Try: Ash Champlain (1)
While the scoreboard was lopsided, the team focused on staying injury-free and trying out new tactics. Two players were pulled for head injury concerns, but thankfully no concussions were reported.

🗓️ This Sunday (October 26): Quarterfinal at Molloy
Win and they advance to face #1 seed Fordham in the semifinals.

💬 Final Notes & Shoutouts

The women’s program continues to make strides in culture and community support, including working toward new team practice shirts.

We’ll be back soon with a full season wrap-up and hopefully with playoff wins to celebrate.

As always, thank you for supporting New Paltz Rugby.

Go Hawks