POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The Hartwick Field Hockey team opened up the team's regular season in style on Wednesday. With a balanced attack from senior Samantha Galm (Kingston, NY/Kingston) and junior Jen Kaye (Altamont, NY/Guilderland), the Hawks quickly jumped out early on host Vassar and didn't not look back. The Hawks, who scored just three goals in their first six games to start the season in 2008, exploded for five in a 5-2 win over Vassar in Poughkeepsie.
Kaye gave the Hawks the lead within the first 10 minutes of the game, deflecting a long pass from sophomore Brittany Baughman (Niskayuna, NY/Niskayuna) past Brewer goalie Rachel Horowitz. Vassar would respond quickly as mid fielder Jordan Friedmann knocked in a pass from teammate Jennie McAllister tying the game at 1-1 just three minutes later.
Galm would put her team back in front before halftime. A centering pass from Kaye went right in front to Galm who was able to beat Horowitz for the 2-1 advantage. 'Wick closed the half with a 10-3 edge in shots.
In the second half, the Brewers turned up the pressure, but it was freshman forward Kelsey Kimble (Dingmans Ferry, PA/Delaware Valley) who gave the Hawks some breathing room as she pounced on a loose ball in front of the cage for her first career tally and what proved to be the game-winner. Galm added to the Hawk lead with her second of the day less than five minutes later.
With less than nine minutes remaining, Katy Hwang scored from the left side to trim 'Wick's lead to two goals, but Baughman closed the door with a goal with just 12 seconds left to put the game on ice. It was Baughman's first goal in a Hartwick uniform.
Galm's two goals led the team with Kaye adding a goal and two helpers. Baughman and Kimble each recorded a goal and an assist for the Hawks.
While Hartwick's offense was producing goals, its defense stood strong led by junior goalie Mackenzie Chapman (Niskayuna, NY/Niskayuna). Chapman recorded eight saves including five in the second half of play.
With the 5-2 season-opening victory, the Hawks will look to keep the offense coming this Saturday. The first home game of the season is set for a 2:30 start when Scranton comes to Wright Stadium.
