RIVERSIDE, CA - The #13 Hartwick women's water polo team joined some elite company on Saturday as it won its 300th game by defeating the University of Redlands 14-9. The Hawks are now the second school since the modern era began in 2001 to achieve that feat. The team trails only the University of Michigan which has 316 wins.

Earlier in the day, the team opened its 2012 season at the Mini-Lancer Invite hosted by California-Baptist University. The Hawks fell in their opener in the morning to #7 UC-Irvine, 20-5. Hartwick rebounded in the afternoon and defeated #20 CSU-Northridge 14-11 in overtime.

Against the Anteaters, Sami Capparelli (Miami, FL) scored twice to lead the Hawks. Allison Kosich (Stockton, CA), Natialie Seabourn (Auckland, New Zealand), and Anna Zdolsek (Linkoping, Sweden) each scored once for Hartwick.

UC Irvine was led by Jessy Cordey who had six goals. Hannah Groghan scored four goals. Goalie Kate Avetoom made four saves in goal

In the afternoon game, the Hawks had a lead of 11-2 late in the third quarter before the Matadors scored nine straight goals to force the extra period. The Hawks still had the lead late in the fourth quarter but the Matador's Marissa Young would score her fourth goal of the quarter to force overtime.

In the overtime period, the Hawks received two goals from Sasha Freeborn (Auckland, New Zealand) and one from Jemma Dendy Young (Cape Town, South Africa) to come away with the victory.
Lily Martinez (Commerce, CA) scored three goals to lead the Hawks. Capparelli and Dendy Young both added two goals. Shannon Leonard (Ponte Claire, Quebec), Lisa Bass (Montreal, Quebec), Seabourne and Zdolsek all had one goal each. Guia Carlini (Camogli, Italy) had eight saves in goal.

The Matadors were led by Marisa Young's five scores. Katie Kammer had two goals. Kiernan Davis stopped seven shots in the cage.

The Hawks continue their California trip with a match against #8 San Diego State on Thursday at 3 p.m. local time.