Women's Tennis | 9/5/2015 9:47:00 PM

ONEONTA, NY –The Hartwick Hawks (2-0, 1-0) came away with an important victory in their Empire 8 opener against Elmira College (0-1, 0-1) defeating the Soaring Eagles 6-3.  It marks the first victory over Elmira since 2010 and the program's first 2-0 start in five seasons.
           
The Hawks opened the match by sweeping the doubles competition. Heidi Rice (Canandaigua, NY/Marcus Whitman) and Rose Natoli (Endwell, NY/Maine-Endwell) held on to win 8-6 for the second consecutive match at first doubles. Sophomore Kelly Napolitano (Mt. Sinai, NY/Mt. Sinai) and freshman Kelli Ryan (Plattsburgh, NY/Seton Catholic) paired up at second doubles, winning another close contest, 8-6.  Caitlin O'Brien (Glenville, NY/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) and Jaclyn LaSita (Wading River, NY/Shoreham-Wading River) had no trouble today at third doubles dominating 8-0.  The Hawks start the season 6-0 in doubles play.
           
Hartwick only needed two more points in singles to clinch the victory. The match was decided after LaSita and Ryan won their matches at fifth and sixth singles, respectively. Ryan has only dropped one total game in her first two matches powering to 6-0, 6-0 victory on the afternoon. LaSita and Ryan both start their Hartwick careers with impressive 4-0 marks. Napolitano also remained undefeated at third singles adding a 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Steph Tock of Elmira. 
           
The Hawks returns to action this Wednesday as the host SUNY-Delhi for the first time at 4 p.m.