ONEONTA, NY – Hartwick took a one-goal lead into halftime but visiting Houghton College scored twice in a 5:43 second-half span to overtake the Hawks 2-1 on Saturday at Wright Stadium. The game marked the first Empire 8 Conference match of the season for both teams.
           
The Hawks got a great start as they jumped in front in the opening five minutes. 'Wick was awarded a penalty stroke at the 4:56 mark and junior Rebecca Reilly (Riverhead, NY/Riverhead) stepped up and fired her shot to goalkeeper Elizabeth Piszker's right. Pisker got a pad on it but couldn't keep the ball out as the Hawks took a 1-0 lead.
             
Hartwick held onto the lead for nearly the next 44 minutes. Thirty minutes, thirty-seven seconds into the second half, the Highlanders drew even. Marissa Hollinger would get the goal as she finished off a rebound in front of the 'Wick cage. Alyssa Strom was credited with an assist.
           
With just over 15 minutes remaining, Houghton was awarded a stroke of its own. Ashley Hughes took to the shot, sending it to Shannon Carter's (Falls Church, VA/J.E.B. Stuart) right and in for what would prove to be the game-winning tally.
           
Hartwick pressed for the tying goal in the final seven minutes of action. They earned four penalty corners and registered four shots in the span. Efforts from Claudia Stone (Akron, NY/Akron),Sarah Ryan (Saratoga Spring, NY/Saratoga Springs), and Mary Claire Houlihan (East Rochester, NY/East Rochester) were all saved by Piszker. The Hawks drew a final penalty corner as the clock expired. On the final play of the game, Catie Kondi (Canaan, NH/Mascoma Valley Regional) hit a shot toward goal but it was blocked giving the visitors the victory.     
           
Carter, the reigning Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week, would end the game with a total of 10 saves. Piszker stopped four shots for the Highlanders.
           
The Hawks will eye their first victory of the season on Tuesday, September 15 when they visit Morrisville State for a 4 p.m. game.