ONEONTA, NY – Hartwick fell by a score of 61-58 on Saturday to Middlebury College in the Holiday Inn Classic at SUNY Oneonta's Dewar Arena. The Hawks led by as many as 11 points in the first half but the Panthers broke a 58-all tie with the final three points with under a minute left to get the win.
             
Taylor Vonasek (Willington, CT/E.O. Smith) led three players in double figures for the Hawks with 19 points and seven rebounds. Christina Graziadei (Oriskany, NY/Oriskany) and Caitlin Corbett (Altamont, NY/Guilderland) each scored 13 points.
           
Saturday's game was tightly contested throughout with the lead changing hands 16 times. The score was also tied on eight occasions.
           
After a 15-13 first quarter, Hartwick grabbed an 11-point advantage, 26-15, with a 9-0 run in the second.  A 10-2 spurt to close the half for the Panthers cut the deficit to three, 28-25.
           
The Hawks would lead by as many as five twice in the third quarter before Middlebury grabbed a one-point edge, 43-42, with a bucket with six seconds left in the period.
           
The Hawks were in front by four, 55-51, after a pair of Graziadei free throws with 3:16 remaining in the game, but a Middlebury and-one followed by a layup put the Panthers ahead, 56-55, just over a minute later.
           
A Corbett three-pointer tied the score at 58 with 1:11 showing on the clock. A free throw from the Panthers with 48 ticks left put them up for good and they added a layup with six seconds remaining. A Corbett three-point attempt for the Hawks at the final horn was off the mark.
             
Jessica Bellai (Schenectday, NY/Schalmont) would contribute eight points, five boards, and a game-high five assists for the Hawks. Corbett added four rebounds, four assists, and a game-high four steals.
           
'Wick next plays on Monday in its home opener against New Paltz. The game is slated for a 7 p.m. start.