ONEONTA, N.Y. – The Hartwick Hawks opened their 2025-26 campaign with a statement, outlasting rival SUNY Oneonta in an overtime thriller to claim bragging rights in the annual Battle of the Hills. Behind grit, clutch shooting, and a relentless defensive effort, the Blue and White stormed back late to secure the season-opening victory on the road.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Hartwick 65 SUNY Oneonta 61

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

• Records: Hartwick (1-0, 0-0 Empire 8) SUNY Oneonta (1-1, 0-0 SUNYAC)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Emma Cohen and Macy Durkin led the charge on offense, each pouring in 16 points.

• Hartwick showcased their depth in the triumph, outscoring Oneonta 21-7 in bench points.

• The Hawks secured their first win over their cross-city rival since 2021.

HOW IT HAPPENED 
'Wick wasted no time finding their rhythm as Trinity Thornton (Sherburne, N.Y.) knifed through traffic for the first bucket of the season. The Hawks' defensive pressure immediately set the tone, with Yadi Smith (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) and Macy Durkin (Syracuse, N.Y.) forcing turnovers and turning them into fast-break points. Hartwick's energy on both ends translated into a commanding 10-2 run before Oneonta managed to settle in. A timely three from Ryleigh Endres (Niskayuna, N.Y.) and back-to-back buckets capped off a dominant opening frame as the Hawks surged ahead by double digits.

The second quarter saw momentum shift as foul trouble mounted and the Red Dragons heated up from deep. Oneonta clawed back to take its first lead midway through the period, but first-year Jess Bowens (Mechanicville, N.Y.) provided the spark 'Wick needed—snatching an offensive rebound and converting an and-one to swing the lead back. The Red Dragons closed the half strong, though, carrying a narrow five-point edge into the break.

Durkin wasted no time chipping away at the deficit to open the third, muscling her way inside for a score before Emma Cohen (Utica, N.Y.) drained a three to tie things up. The Hawks traded blows with the Red Dragons throughout the quarter, but Oneonta managed to rebuild its cushion heading into the fourth up by ten.

Refusing to fold, the Hawks dug in defensively and began to climb back. Durkin powered through contact for early fourth-quarter buckets while Cohen caught fire from deep. With under three minutes left, Cohen buried a clutch three to knot the game, and Smith calmly sank a free throw to push 'Wick in front. Oneonta responded with four straight points, but the Hawks turned once again to their senior guard in the game's final seconds. Cohen delivered—rising up and drilling a game-tying triple with just 13 seconds remaining.

The Red Dragons had one last look in transition, but Yadi Smith came through with a massive defensive play, poking the ball free on a would-be go-ahead layup to force overtime.

In the extra frame, Hartwick's composure and toughness took over. The Red Dragons found themselves in foul trouble, and the Hawks made them pay. Endres, Durkin, Bowens, and Smith all stepped up at the line, knocking down clutch free throws to ice the game and lift the Blue and White to a season-opening Battle of the Hills triumph.

It was a full-team effort for the Hawks, showcasing their depth, poise, and hunger to start the new campaign on a high note.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will prepare for the Spartan Classic, facing VTSU-Castleton at 4PM on Saturday, November 15th in Castleton, Vermont.

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.