CASTLETON, VT – Hartwick opened the Spartan Classic with a strong interior presence, but a second-half surge from Castleton proved decisive in the tournament's opening matchup.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Hartwick 56 VTSU Castleton 76

• Location: Castleton, VT | Glenbrook Gymnasium

• Records: Hartwick (1-1, 0-0 Empire 8) VTSU Castleton (1-1, 0-0 Little East)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Macy Durkin and Ryleigh Endres led the attack on offense, pouring in 14 points respectively.

• Hartwick was active in the passing lanes, posting 12 steals.

• The Hawks' second unit posted a strong outing, collecting 28 bench points.

HOW IT HAPPENED 
The Hawks opened their matchup against host Castleton with strong pace, driven by Macy Durkin (Syracuse, N.Y.)setting the tone in the paint. The Spartans stayed within reach as Yadi Smith (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) and Emma Cohen (Utica, N.Y.) added interior scoring of their own, and Castleton ultimately tied the game and took its first lead in the final minute of the opening quarter.

Turnovers began to hinder the Hawks early in the second as empty possessions turned into points for the Spartans. Despite the miscues, Durkin continued to anchor the attack inside, while Smith and Ryleigh Endres (Niskayuna, N.Y.)capitalized at the free-throw line to keep the deficit manageable.

Castleton opened the third quarter on an 11–3 run, stretching its lead in the first five minutes before a three-pointer from Endres halted the momentum. Leah Schoonover (Fredericksburg, Va.) caught fire late in the frame, knocking down back-to-back triples and converting two free throws to trim the double-digit deficit to six entering the fourth.

However, Hartwick's offense stalled in the final period, posting its lowest scoring quarter of the game as Castleton maintained control down the stretch. The Spartans held their lead to secure the win, handing the Hawks a loss in the opening game of the Spartan Classic.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will gear up for the final game of the Spartan Classic, facing UMaine Farmington at 12PM on Sunday, November 16th 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.