TROY, NY –
Allyson Daniels' (Pembroke, NH/Pembroke) header in the 87
th minute lifted Hartwick's women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory on Wednesday night over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at East Campus Field in Troy, NY.
Daniels' effort, from a service from senior
Abby Wheeler (Chatham, NY/Chatham), broke a 1-1 tie and sent the Hawks to their ninth victory of the season (9-2-3). The win total is the highest for the program since 1996.
Hartwick led for 64 minutes following a goal in the 10
th minute. The Engineers evened the match with 16:03 remaining before Daniels broke the tie.
The Hawks picked up the early lead when freshman
Kiley Richardson (Flanders, NJ/Roxbury) served a perfect ball into the box for senior
Kristen McKasty (Bohemia, Connetquot) who was left unmarked in the box and headed home her first tally of the 2015 season. RPI keeper Toni Riopelle got a piece of the shot, but she couldn't keep it out for a 1-0 Hartwick advantage.
Hartwick controlled the first half as it held the Engineers without a shot for the opening 38 minutes. The hosts got their first solid chance seconds before the halftime whistle when Stephanie May broke through the Hartwick defense, but her effort was right at Hawk keeper
Megan McGillycuddy (Glenville, NY/Scotia-Glenville).
The second half was a more even affair with Hartwick holding a 7-6 edge in shots. The Hawks had the first good scoring opportunity when
Allie Ricci (Millstone, NJ/St. John Vianney) struck the crossbar in the 69
th minute.
RPI drew even in the 74
th. May played a diagonal ball to Catie Mann who scored her second of the year to make it a 1-1 game.
The game remained even for the next 12:15 until Daniels netted her fourth of the season to put the Hawks in front to stay.
McGillycuddy would make three saves in goal for 'Wick in the victory. Riopelle stopped three Hartwick shots for RPI.
The Hawks are back home on Saturday for Senior Day against Elmira. The Hawks face a must-win to keep their Empire 8 playoff chances alive.
