ALBANY, N.Y. - The Hartwick Volleyball team hit the road for their Empire 8 conference opener, defeating the Russell Sage Gators in four sets at Kahl Campus Center on Wednesday evening.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Hartwick 3 Russell Sage 1

• Location: Albany, N.Y. | Kahl Campus Center

• Records: Hartwick (8-8, 1-0 Empire 8) Russell Sage (5-7,0-1 Empire 8)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hartwick Hawks opened Empire 8 play on the road with authority, earning their ninth straight win over Sage in a 3–1 victory behind a balanced offensive performance.

The Gators struck first, using a 10-point run to pull away in the opening set before holding off a late Hartwick push to take it 25–20. The Hawks answered in the second set, with setter Braelyn Hornick (Candor, N.Y.) orchestrating the attack. Shelby Swartz (Candor, N.Y.) sparked the rally with back-to-back kills, and Isabella Gracias (Oneonta, N.Y.) and Sophia Palladino (Owego, N.Y.) followed up to keep the pressure on. Trailing by as many as seven, the Hawks surged late, closing the frame on a 7–0 run led by Lucille Walker (Ithaca, N.Y.), who hammered down three kills to seal a 25–18 set win.

Riding that momentum, Hartwick controlled the third set early, building a 12–6 advantage. Sage fought back to tie it, but the Hawks' defense held firm, allowing them to stay in front and claim the set. The fourth belonged entirely to the Blue and White, with Palladino and Walker taking over at the net. Both attackers finished with double-digit kills, joined by Swartz (13) and Gracias (12) in spreading out the offensive load.

Hornick paced the Hawks' attack with a game-high 44 assists, while Samantha Garback (Tully, N.Y.) anchored the defense with three blocks.

With the win, Hartwick continues its successful road slate and starts its conference campaign on the right note.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will continue their road slate, going head to head with SUNY Poly at 7PM on Friday, October 3rd.

About Hartwick College:

Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.