SCHENECTADY, NY – Host Union College outscored the Hartwick women's basketball team 35-9 in the second half to pull away for a 67-28 win on Saturday in the season opener for both teams. The Hawks trailed by a 32-19 margin at the end of the second quarter, but the Hawks shot only 15% from the floor in the third and fourth quarters in the contest.
           
Hartwick was down by one, 9-8, in the first quarter before six straight points opened up the margin to seven. A jumper from Jessica Bellai (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) made it a five-point game at the end of one.
           
Eight straight Dutchwomen points to start the second quarter increased the hosts lead to 13 points, 23-10. Five points from freshman Carly Johnson (Greenville, NY/Greenville Central) and a layup from senior Taylor Vonasek (Willington, CT/E.O. Smith) in the final 2:02 made it a 13-point deficit at halftime.
           
Two Caitlin Corbett (Altamont, NY/Guilderland) baskets were the only field goals the Hawks could muster through nearly the whole third quarter. A Vonasek layup as time expired cut the gap to 25 points, 51-26.
           
The Hawks' cold shooting continued in the fourth period as they couldn't get any of their first 10 shots from the field to fall. A Vonasek jumper with 1:54 left was 'Wick's lone bucket.
           
Vonasek and Johnson each scored eight points to lead Hartwick offensively. Vonasek also pulled down a game-high eight rebounds. Johnson hit the only two three-pointers for the Hawks. Corbett finished with four points.
           
The Dutchwomen, who shot 53.5% (23-for-43) in the game, had three players in double figures led by Jenni Barra's 16 points. Natalie Leone had 13 points and Amy Fisher contributed 10.
           
The Hawks return to action on Tuesday night at Skidmore College. Tip-off is 6 p.m.