ONEONTA, N.Y. - The Hartwick Women's Volleyball team returned to Empire 8 conference play, falling to the visiting St. John Fisher Cardinals on Friday evening at Lambros Arena.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: (RV) St. John Fisher 3 Hartwick 0 

• Location: Oneonta, N.Y. | Lambros Arena

• Records: (RV) St. John Fisher (18-1, 3-0 Empire 8) Hartwick (11-10, 3-1 Empire 8) 

BY THE NUMBERS

• Shelby Swartz erupted for 14 kills, tying the game lead and putting up her second highest total this season.

• The Hawks played stout defense anchored by Braelyn Hornick and Ellie Kalbach (Spring City, Pa.). Kalbach led all players with 13 digs.

• The Hawks are currently tied for third place in the Empire 8 standings with their first conference loss today.

HOW IT HAPPENED 
The Hartwick Women's Volleyball team had their hands full with the red-hot Cardinals, ultimately falling to conference foe St. John Fisher in three sets — a squad currently receiving national votes.

Hartwick hit the hardwood with intensity against a loaded Cardinal roster, winners of their last 17 matches entering the day. Co-Player of the Week Shelby Swartz (Candor, N.Y.) proved her case early, igniting the Hawks with four kills, including three straight to open the contest. The two teams traded blows throughout the first set, with the Hawks flipping a 20-19 deficit into a 23-21 advantage after a service error and two Cardinal attack miscues, capped by another Swartz kill. St. John Fisher responded with a four-point surge to narrowly take the opener.

The Hawks matched Fisher's pace early in the second before a Cardinal run created separation. A late ace from Braelyn Hornick (Candor, N.Y.) and a kill by Isabella Gracias (Oneonta, N.Y.) gave 'Wick a spark, but the defending conference champions closed out the set to take a 2–0 lead.

Hartwick continued to fight in the third behind early kills from Swartz and Sophia Palladino (Owego, N.Y.) as the offense looked to find its rhythm. The Hawks stayed within striking distance, making Fisher earn every point, but the Cardinals' offense came alive down the stretch, tallying 16 kills in the frame to complete the sweep.

Despite the setback, Hartwick drops its first conference contest of the season, while St. John Fisher  extends its win streak to 18 and remains unbeaten in Empire 8 play.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will return to the court tomorrow, matching up with the Golden Flyers of Nazareth University at 1PM on Saturday, October 11.

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.