UTICA, NY – Rachel Weir (New Milford, CT/New Milford) scored the game's only goal in the 64^th minute as Hartwick defeated Utica College 1-0 on Wednesday at Charles Gaetano Stadium. The result is Hartwick's third straight 1-0 victory and its sixth straight shutout against an Empire 8 opponent. In addition, the Hawks clinch a berth in the Empire 8 playoffs for the second consecutive year.
           
The Pioneers would hold a 4-2 edge in shots in the opening half of play. Hartwick, however, had perhaps the best chance of the opening 45 minutes when Jacqueline Smith (Monroe, NY/Monroe Woodbury) struck the UC crossbar in the 29^th minute. The ball would stay out and the two teams played to a 0-0 stalemate heading into halftime.
           
The Hawks would send four shots in on goal in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. Ashley Connolly (Johnson City, NY/Johnson City) and Zoe Capanna (Los Angeles, CA/Palisades Center) would fire the first two with Alexa DuBois (Hobart, NY/South Kortright) recording the next two just a few seconds apart. UC goalkeeper Allison Wagner would secure saves on all four of the 'Wick efforts.
           
Hartwick would finally break through at the 64:53 mark after earning a corner. Kiley Richardson (Flanders, NJ/Roxbury) took the kick and Weir was there to get a touch on the ball that deflected in off Wagner to put the Hawks ahead.
           
The Pioneers pressured the Hawks over the final 15 minutes as they pressed for the tying goal. They would out-shoot the Hawks 4-0 in the span. Two shots were on frame but Cassandra Robataille (Amsterdam, NY/Amsterdam) was there to make both saves to help secure the victory. She would finish the night with six saves. Wagner also closed the match with six stops for UC.
           
The two teams ended the game even in shots at nine apiece. The Pioneers had a slim edge in corners, 5-4.
           
Hartwick's shutout string has now topped 373 minutes. The Hawks have conceded just one goal in their last seven matches.
           
'Wick is now 11-4 overall and 6-1 in Empire 8 play. The Hawks have one conference match remaining on their schedule but have to wait ten days for it when they host Sage on Saturday, October 28 on the final day of the regular season. They next play at Smith College this Saturday at 3 p.m.