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Hartwick College Athletics

Nelle Slavitsky - Women's Soccer
Sophia Palladino
1
Winner Hartwick HAR (7-2-5, 4-1-3)
0
Utica UTC (7-4-4, 4-1-3)
Winner
Hartwick HAR
(7-2-5, 4-1-3)
1
Final
0
Utica UTC
(7-4-4, 4-1-3)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Hartwick HAR 1 0 1
Utica UTC 0 0 0

Game Recap: Women's Soccer |

Slavitsky's Strike Lifts Hawks Over Utica in Conference Clash

UTICA, N.Y. - The Hartwick Women's Soccer team headed to Utica for an important Empire 8 conference showdown, handing the Pioneers their first conference loss on Wednesday evening in a defensive battle.

 

THE BASICS

  • Final Score: Hartwick 1 Utica 0

  • Location: Utica, N.Y. | Laura M. Casamento Field

  • Records: Hartwick (7-2-5, 4-1-3 Empire 8) Utica (7-4-4, 4-1-3 Empire 8)

 

BY THE NUMBERS

  • Nelle Slavitsky made the difference, rifling the game-winner into the top of the net at the 20 minute mark.

  • In an important conference triumph, the Blue and White now secure firm control of third place in the Empire 8 standings.

  • Mikayla Piersa has been outstanding in between the posts, collecting her conference leading ninth clean sheet.

 

HOW IT HAPPENED
It was a gritty, defensive showdown from the opening whistle as both sides fought to control the tempo. The early pressure came from Utica with back-to-back corner kicks, but the Hartwick back line stood tall and turned both away before beginning to build momentum on the attack.

Ella Weber (Lenhartsville, Pa.) forced the first test of the day for the Pioneer keeper, earning a corner in the process. Off the ensuing set piece, the Hawks made it count — Nelle Slavitsky (Conklin, N.Y.) pounced on a loose ball in traffic and ripped a missile past the outstretched arms of the keeper in the 20th minute to give 'Wick the lead.

The Hawks nearly doubled the advantage in the 34th as Ella Grupe (Freehold, N.Y.) launched a dangerous strike that rattled off the crossbar. On the other end, Mikayla Piersa (Huntington, N.Y.) came up clutch with a leaping save in the 37th minute to preserve the 1–0 lead heading into halftime.

Utica came out firing to start the second half, pressing high and forcing the Hawks to defend their slim advantage. Hartwick's back line remained composed, blocking lanes and limiting clean looks on goal. Piersa continued her strong form, notching her conference-leading 56th save of the season on Utica's final shot in the 64th minute.

Coach Knapp's squad showed resilience and composure from start to finish, securing an important three points for the Blue and White in Empire 8 play.

 

COMMENTS FROM HEAD COACH BRIAN KNAPP
"I'm sounding like a broken record but again this team is showing they are special with their heart. In the first half we were very good, unlucky not to have scored more in the first half to put it to bed. We knew they would step up the pressure but we showed our grit and absorbed a lot while still getting quality chances we just missed converting. A great win and now our eyes are on Fisher Saturday on Elmore!"


UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will prepare for an important conference matchup with the St. John Fisher Cardinals on Saturday, October 18th at 4:00 at Elmore Field.

 

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.

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