ONEONTA, NY – In both teams' final Empire 8 game of the season, Hartwick women's lacrosse fought to the end in a back-and forth affair against the Utica Pioneers on Saturday afternoon at Wright Stadium. Despite the six ties and four lead changes, Utica managed to come away with the 13-12 win over the host to close out its season. With one more game on their schedule, the Hawks are 9-6 overall and finish 3-5 in the Empire 8. The Pioneers conclude the year 7-7 and 4-4 in league standings.

Facing a two-goal deficit heading into the intermission, the Hawks netted a couple over the final 30 seconds to deadlock things at 5-5.

In a rush following a save by Carleigh Tarala (Tully, NY/Tully), the Hawks swiftly raced down the field displaying quick ball movement. Ashley Werner (Saugerties, NY/Saugerties), positioned in front of the goal, passed up her look for a cutting Lauren Rosenberg (Smithtown, NY/Commack) to her right who was able to sail one in to fill the margin to just one. Tarala later ended with 13 saves.

Megan Young (Gansevoort, NY/Schuylerville) won the ensuing draw with 25 seconds on the game clock. Jennifer Darasz (Gorham, ME/Gorham) passed up her initial look for Rosenberg who weaved through three defenders to the tie game at 5-5 at the break.

With a shot over her left shoulder, Young found the back of the cage for the go-ahead goal, 6-5 just over a minute into the second half. Unfortunately, Utica quickly answered with a free-position goal that evened the playing field yet again and then tacked on four more uninterrupted goals over the next eight minutes for a four-goal lead, 10-6.

From the 18:44 mark, Hartwick went on to outscore Utica 5-1, including two in man-down scenarios, bringing the game to another tie, 11-up, with just under 11 minutes remaining.

Hailee DuMont's goal put Utica ahead while Tewasherake Barnes' tally nearly three minutes later awarded Utica the slim two-point advantage.

Rosenberg dug into the Hawks' deficit with her tally at the 2:01 mark. Unfortunately, it would also count as the game's final scoring play.

Hartwick had opportunities to score missing its final two chances to Utica's second keeper of the afternoon, Hali Vandermeulen, who was credited with the win.

The up-and-down affair was spearheaded by Rosenberg and Utica's Katlyn Scarpinella who each supplied their respective teams with five goals. Rosenberg's three assists also led the 'Wick offense.

Mattie Coffey (Ballston Spa, NY/Ballston Spa) led a spirited Hawks' defense with four ground balls and four caused turnovers, the most in both categories on the afternoon. The Pioneers' Maggie Notter tied Coffey's game-high with four ground balls as well.

UC's Rebecca Plunkett's team-high five draws were two short of Young's game-high seven.

Before the action, Hartwick took the time to recognize its six seniors, Rosenberg, Young, Melissa Gifford (Penacook, NH/Merrimack Valley), Mel Niewender (New Hyde Park, NY/New Hyde Park Memorial), Hazel Flores (Brentwood, NY/Brentwood) and Meagan Wright (Mahopac, NY/Mahopac) for their contributions to the team over the course of their tenures.

SUNY Canton visits Wright Stadium for the Hawks' season finale next Tuesday, May 2 at 4 p.m.