ONEONTA, N.Y. - The Hartwick Hawks Women's Tennis team is set to make their fourth consecutive postseason appearance as the No. 1 seed, beginning with a semifinal matchup against the No. 5 Alfred University Saxons on Friday, October 17 at 12 p.m.

Led by Head Coach Samantha Butcher, the Hawks have built an Empire 8 dynasty over the past several seasons, completing their fourth straight undefeated conference campaign. Hartwick capped off another dominant year in 2025, finishing 11–2 overall and a perfect 8–0 in Empire 8 play, extending their historic regular-season conference winning streak to 33 matches. The Blue and White dropped just three total points against league opponents while claiming an impressive 53.

"I'm so proud of our team for the effort, hard work, and determination they've shown since day one to earn the success we've had so far, " remarked Coach Butcher. Now, our focus shifts to the challenges ahead as we head into the tournament against some tough competition. This group is capable of doing something special, and we're ready to keep putting in the work starting Friday."

Maddi Morrison (Burnt Hills, N.Y.), Gianna Leggieri (Ballston Lake, N.Y.), and Maggie Van Valkenburgh (Highland, N.Y.) enter the postseason in top form, each going undefeated in conference singles play. Three-time Empire 8 Player of the Week Samantha Lantzy (Valatie, N.Y.) anchors the lineup at the top flight, while the Hawks are further bolstered by former Empire 8 Player of the Year Phoebe Olson (Jamestown, N.D.) and reigning Tournament MVP Lily Vanuga (Springville, N.Y.).

The top-seeded Hawks will face the fifth-seeded Saxons in Friday's semifinal at 12 p.m., followed by No. 2 SUNY Geneseo taking on No. 3 Nazareth at approximately 2:30 p.m. The winners will advance to Saturday's Empire 8 Championship match at 2 p.m. at Wilber Park in Oneonta, N.Y.
 

For more info, visit the Empire 8 website here.
 

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.