ONEONTA, NY – The Hartwick Hawks won their Empire 8 opener today at home by defeating Houghton College 7-2. The convincing win for the Hawks improves their record to 2-0 and 1-0 in conference play on the season.
           
The Hawks were able to capture five singles victories this afternoon against the Highlanders. Playing at the top spot, Nicole Schepisi (East Greenbush, NY/Columbia) came away with a dominating performance defeating Laura Jacuzzo 6-3, 6-1. For a second straight match, Kelly Napolitano (Mt. Sinai, NY/Mt. Sinai), Kristen Napolitano (Mt. Sinai, NY/Mt. Sinai), and Caitlin O'Brien (Glenville, NY/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) made quick work of their opponents dropping only eight games collectively.
           
Lauren Noyes (Rochester, NY/Churchville-Chili), in her first singles start of the season, defeated Libby Wideman in the sixth spot 6-0, 6-4. Noyes also teamed up with Schepisi at #1 doubles for an 8-4 victory. The Napolitano sisters picked up the other doubles point, dismantling their opponents without dropping a game.
           
The Hawks almost swept doubles but O'Brien and Anna Van Allsburg (Prides Crossing, MA/Spring Ridge Academy) were edged by the third doubles team of Houghton in a tiebreaker, 9-8 (7-3).
           
The Hawks return to action tomorrow in Hoboken, NJ for another conference match against Stevens. The Hawks look to make a 3-0 start for the first time since 2001.