ROCHESTER, NY - Lauren Ploof (Hammond, NY/Hammond) scored with 3:19 showing on the clock to break a 1-1 tie and lift Hartwick's women's soccer team to a 2-1 road win at RIT on Saturday. Hartwick improves to 2-1 in the Empire 8, 3-5 overall, and snaps RIT's three-game win streak with the victory. It marks the second straight conference match Ploof has come through in the late stages to help the Hawks. Last Saturday, Ploof netted two goals in the final 13 minutes to force overtime against St. John Fisher.

Erin McSherry (Cortland, NY/Cortland) started the game-winning play with a shot that was blocked by an RIT defender. The rebound went right to Ploof who one-timed her shot past Tiger goalkeeper Ashley Valenti for the go-head strike. It was the senior's third goal of the season following her two-goal effort last weekend. She leads the Hawks with seven points.

Hartwick took the lead in the 18th minute of the game as freshman Mackenzie Shipley (Sedro Wooley, WA/Sedro Wooley) registered the first goal of her collegiate career. Shipley finished double assists from Briana Crow (Scotia, NY/Scotia-Glenville) and Katelyn Bosy (Scotia, NY/Scotia Glenville). The goal broke the Tigers' scoreless string of over 354 minutes.

RIT tied the game 14 minutes after Shipley's goal on a long 30-yard shot over the head of Hartwick goalie Kelly Griffin (Wynantskill, NY/Columbia). The game stayed at a 1-1 stalemate for close to 55 minutes until Ploof 's marker decided the outcome.

RIT led the Hawks in shots in the opening half 11-4 and finished with a 15-12 edge. Both teams took five corners in the match. Griffin earned the victory in goal with six saves. Valenti made four saves.

Hartwick travels to Union on Oct. 6th before hosting Elmira in its next Empire 8 match next Saturday.