ROCHESTER, NY - Hartwick closed out the 2009 Empire 8 schedule with a 3-0 setback to Nazareth and then a 3-1 win over Utica for a final record of 2-6.

The host Golden Flyers downed Hartwick by scores of 25-19, 25-21, 25-11. Lauren Mausert (Niskayuna, NY/Niskayuna) led all players in the Hawks' opening match with nine kills. Courtney Desmond (Cortlandt Manor, NY/Hendrick Hudson) added seven kills and Darcy Dolge (La Grande, OR/La Grande) contributed 13 assists.

The Flyers were paced by four different players with five kills or more. Brittany Crocetti accumulated 26 assists and Jenee Vanderstyne added 18 digs.

Desmond was on fire against the Pioneers in the Hawks' finale recording 15 kills, a .538 hitting percentage, and seven blocks. The Hawks won the first two sets by scores of 25-17 before Utica took set three 25-21. Hartwick would close out UC in the fourth 25-20.

To go along with Desmond's big numbers, Mausert picked up a match-high 20 digs and nine kills. Dolge added 25 assists and 12 digs, and Shannon McGee (Cortlandt Manor, NY/Walter Panas) earned 16 assists. UC was led by Chloe Pierce's 18 kills.

Hartwick next hosts Hamilton on Tuesday night in its "Dig Pink" match before welcoming Elmira and Cobleskill on Saturday in the Hawks' final two matches of the season.