ROCHESTER, NY – (some information taken from Nazareth Sports Information) The Hartwick women's soccer team fell on the road on Saturday afternoon, taking their first Empire 8 loss in a 1-0 result at Nazareth. The win moves the Golden Flyers to a perfect 7-0 in the Empire 8 and clinches them the top seed in the Empire 8 Tournament. The Hawks fall to 6-3-4 overall and 4-1-2 in conference play. At the end of play on Saturday, they are tied with Alfred for second in the table at 14 points. Each team has one game remaining, while fourth place St. John Fisher has 10 points and two games to go.
Nazareth had the better of play early on, outshooting the Hawks 7-1 throughout the first half, but they were unable to secure a lead by the break. The hosts finally broke through in the 56th minute, thanks in part to a poor Hartwick clearance. Nazareth's Shayla Scully sent a ball into the 18-yard box that was deflected away by a Hartwick back. Sydney Moss controlled it and slid one under Sara Staup (Woodinville, WA/Woodinville) for the eventual winner.
The Golden Flyers had chances later in the period to add to their lead, including back-to-back shots in the 79th minute, but Staup stood tall.
Madi McGuire (Goshen, NY/Goshen) led the Hawks with two shots on the day, while Nicole Casab (Utica, NY/T.R. Proctor) had Hartwick's other try at net. Staup did well in net for the Hawks, making six saves over 90 minutes.
'Wick is back to it for the Oneonta Derby next Wednesday, as they take on cross-street rival SUNY Oneonta at their place on October 27. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
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