LA JOLLA, CA - Nationally 13th ranked Hartwick College recorded a program first in its season opener and went on to a 2-0 day at the UC San Diego Triton Invitational on Saturday in La Jolla, CA. For the first time in the history of the program, the Hawks opened the season with a victory thanks to a 10-7 win over the host Tritons. 'Wick made it two straight later in the day as the Blue and White downed 12th ranked Cal-Northridge 12-8.
Against UCSD, the Hawks not only had to battle the host institution, but also a torrential downpour throughout the match. Hartwick fell behind in the first quarter and trailed by a 4-2 margin at the half. The Hawks, however, dominated the second half of play outscoring the Tritons 8-3 for the victory.
Junior Jessica McKee (Tustin, CA/Laguna Beach), and sophomores Siann Ells-Tewhiu (Wellington, New Zealand/Queen Margaret College), and Allyssa Analytis (Montreal, Quebec/Sacred Heart) led 'Wick with three goals apiece. Ells-Tewhiu also added a team-best four steals in the contest.
Sophomore Shannon Leonard (Pointe Clair, Quebec/John Rennie) added a tally for Hartwick, Kirsten Hudson (Wellington, New Zealand/Sacred Heart) dished out three assists, and Lily Martinez (Commerce, CA/Montebello) recorded two helpers. Goalie Jess Dorman (Auckland, New Zealand/Diocesan) made five saves and picked up a pair of steals.
In the Hawks' second match against the Matadors, Ells Tewhiu, Hudson, and McKee combined for 10 goals and nine assists for the Hawks. Once again, Hartwick shook off its opponent in the second half as the team turned a slim 4-3 edge at halftime into a four-goal win with eight goals in the third and fourth quarters.
Ells-Tewhiu tallied four times adding four steals, and two assists. McKee contributed three goals and four helpers, and Hudson registered three goals and three assists.
Sasha Freeborn (Auckland, New Zealand/Westlake Girls College) also picked up a goal and an assist, and Analytis contributed a tally. Dorman made eight saves, including a 5-meter shot, and she added four steals.
Hartwick continues play tomorrow against either Cal-Bakersfield or #8 San Diego State. A victory would put 'Wick in the championship match later in the day. A loss would put the Hawks in the third-place match.
