Box Score

ONEONTA, NY- Hartwick's Emily Thorndike (Dover, MA/Sherborn) scored off throw in from Stephanie Morini (Holbrook, NY/Sachem East) late in the second half and it was all the Hawks needed as the women's soccer team defeated Utica 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Elmore Field. Hartwick improves its record to 6-8-1 overall and 3-3-1 in the Empire 8. The Pioneers fall to 6-9 overall and 0-7 in the Empire 8.
 
The Hawks had the advantage in the first half in shots, 8-2, but could not capitalize on several good chances. Kylie Thayer (Ithaca, NY/Ithaca) had a good look at a goal in the 28^th minute but her shot went just wide of the net.
 
In the second half, Hartwick controlled possession and prevented Utica from penetrating the Hawk zone. 'Wick would finally break through in the 75th minute. Morini threw the ball in from the left sideline where Thorndike collected the pass and nailed a shot past Pioneer goalkeeper Caitlyn Smith for her fifth goal of the season to put the Hawks ahead 1-0. The Hartwick defense did the rest of the work as the Pioneers could not generate any offense for the rest of the half.
 
“We were good enough to have the ball in Utica's half most of the game but we were missing the final touch to get the first goal, said head coach Matt Verni. “I credit my players for not being frustrated and executing on set pieces to get that first goal and we were happy to get a win in the Empire 8.”
 
The Hawks ended the game with a commanding 12-2 advantage in shots and held Utica without a shot in the second half. Hartwick also led in corner kicks, 11-2.
 
Hope Brown (Sherburne, NY/Sherburne-Earlville) started in goal for Hartwick and did not record a save as she registered her fourth shutout of the season. Smith had five saves in goal for Utica.
 
Hartwick heads on the road for a non-conference match with SUNYIT on Monday night. Game time will be at 7 p.m.