ITHACA, N.Y. - The Hartwick Women's Volleyball team headed to Ithaca for their final non-conference road match of the season, falling to the Liberty League powerhouse in three sets on Tuesday at Ben Light Gymnasium.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Hartwick 0 #19 Ithaca 3

• Location: Ithaca, N.Y. | Ben Light Gym

• Records: Hartwick (11-9, 3-0 Empire 8) #19 Ithaca (12-3, 3-0 Liberty League)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Shelby Swartz continues to come up big at the net, reaching 10 kills for the fourth time in the last five matches.

• The Hawks fell to their first nationally ranked opponent this season as Ithaca remains undefeated in the match history.

• Mary Kinnane was excellent in service, collecting a game high four aces.

HOW IT HAPPENED 
The Hartwick Women's Volleyball team saw their five-match win streak come to an end on Tuesday night, falling to nationally ranked Ithaca College in straight sets in their final non-conference road contest of the season.

The Hawks came out with energy in the opening frame, sparked by consecutive kills from Shelby Swartz (Candor, N.Y.) and Samantha Garback (Tully, N.Y.) to fuel a four-point spurt. Hartwick kept pace with the Bombers early before Ithaca's offense began to find its rhythm, pulling away late in the set behind a .556 hitting percentage and 16 kills.

Hartwick responded with determination in the second, using several service aces from Mary Kinnane (Far Rockaway, N.Y.) to jump out to an 11-5 advantage. However, Ithaca countered with a surge of their own, stringing together a 15-2 run to reclaim control. Despite kills from Sophia Palladino (Owego, N.Y.) and Isabella Gracias (Oneonta, N.Y.) to keep 'Wick within striking distance, the Bombers closed out the set to move ahead 2–0.

Ithaca continued their efficient offensive performance into the third, tallying 15 kills to complete the sweep. The Hawks battled throughout but were ultimately unable to overcome the nationally ranked foe, concluding a tough non-conference test before returning to Empire 8 action.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will host St. John Fisher on Friday, October 10th at 6PM, matching up with the Cardinals who are receiving national votes.

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.