ONEONTA, N.Y. — The Hartwick Women's Tennis team was well represented on the Empire 8 All-Conference honors list, as six Hawks earned recognition for their outstanding performances this season, the conference announced Tuesday morning.
Leading the way for Hartwick on the Empire 8 First Team Singles were Phoebe Olson (Jamestown, N.D.) and Samantha Lantzy (Valatie, N.Y.). Olson, the reigning Empire 8 Tournament MVP, secured her fourth consecutive All-Conference selection and third First Team honor in her decorated career. Lantzy made an immediate impact in her debut season at the top-flight position, earning her second First Team nod after posting a 6-1 conference record and finishing 8-3 overall.
Lily Vanuga (Springville, N.Y.), Maggie Van Valkenburgh (Highland, N.Y.), and Gianna Leggieri (Ballston Lake, N.Y.) all earned Second Team Singles recognition. Vanuga was dominant at the No. 3 position, going 6-1 in conference play and 7-4 overall. Van Valkenburgh continued her remarkable consistency, completing a perfect conference slate for the fourth straight year while compiling an 11-2 overall mark, with her only setbacks coming against regional powers Ithaca and RIT. Leggieri enjoyed a breakout season, going 10-2 overall and undefeated in conference play en route to her first career All-Conference singles honor.
Maddi Morrison (Burnt Hills, N.Y.) rounded out Hartwick's impressive lineup, earning Third Team Singles recognition — her first career All-Conference selection. Morrison was a steady presence at the No. 6 spot, finishing the season unbeaten in conference and 11-1 overall.
All six Hawks also received All-Conference Doubles honors, further highlighting the team's dominance under Head Coach Samantha Butcher. Olson and Leggieri earned First Team Doubles honors after posting a 9-3 overall record and a 7-1 mark in Empire 8 play. Lantzy and Vanuga joined them on the First Team, proving nearly unbeatable at No. 2 doubles with an 11-2 overall record and a perfect 8-0 conference slate. Van Valkenburgh and Morrison completed the sweep with Second Team Doubles recognition, also going 11-1 overall and 8-0 in Empire 8 competition.
The Empire 8 also honored Maggie Van Valkenburgh as Hartwick's representative on the Tomorrow's Leaders Team, recognizing her commitment to leadership, sportsmanship, and integrity on and off the court.
Additionally, Samantha Lantzy, a junior Biology major, received the Empire 8 Torchbearer Award, presented to the championship team member with the highest GPA. Lantzy earned the distinction with an impressive 3.8 GPA.
Full Empire 8 Release
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.
