MADISON, N.J. – The Hartwick volleyball program captured their first Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championship, taking down Keene State and NJCU at FDU-Florham on Sunday afternoon.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: No.4 Keene State 0 No.1 Hartwick 3

• Location: Madison, N.J. | Ferguson Recreation Center

• Records: Keene State (14-15, 3-5 Little East) Hartwick (22-11, 10-1 Empire 8) 

HOW IT HAPPENED (vs Keene State)
The Hawks opened the ECAC semifinal round with authority, racing out to a 9–3 lead over Keene State to seize early control against the Owls out of New Hampshire.

Hartwick carried that momentum through a dominant first set, securing a 25–15 win behind strong play in the middle from Lucille Walker (Ithaca, N.Y.) and steady offensive pacing from setter Braelyn Hornick (Candor, N.Y.).

Keene State responded in the second, using a five-point burst to take an 8–4 advantage. The Blue and White gradually chipped away, relying on disciplined team defense to disrupt the Owls' rhythm and force key attack errors. The set tightened to a 19–19 deadlock before Hartwick's offense surged late as Walker delivered three straight points, and Shelby Swartz (Candor, N.Y.) finished the frame with a decisive kill to complete the comeback, 25–22.

Hartwick saved its most efficient volleyball for the third set, posting 13 kills while hitting over .250 as a group. Though Keene State again grabbed the early edge, the Owls' attack lost steam as the Hawks settled in and executed down the stretch, closing out a 25–19 win to sweep the match and punch their ticket to the ECAC championship round.

Walker led the attack with a match-high 13 kills, while libero Malia Dake (South Glens Falls, N.Y.) anchored the defense with 14 digs. Hornick and Swartz added 13 and 12 digs respectively as Hartwick delivered a complete team performance on both sides of the ball.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: No.2 NJCU 1 No.1 Hartwick 3

• Location: Madison, N.J. | Ferguson Recreation Center

• Records: NJCU (16-10, 2-6 NJAC) Hartwick (23-11, 10-1 Empire 8) 

HOW IT HAPPENED (vs NJCU)
Hartwick entered the ECAC Championship match locked in and motivated, meeting New Jersey City University in a battle of the tournament's top two seeds. Fresh off a semifinal win, the Hawks rose to the moment and completed a historic postseason run with their first ECAC title in program history.

The opening set proved to be a heavyweight exchange as both teams leaned heavily on their top outside hitters. Shelby Swartz set the tone immediately, unleashing eight kills in a dominant first frame. Hartwick pushed NJCU deep into extra points, but the Gothic Knights edged out the opener, 28–26.

Wick responded with force. The Hawks exploded to a 13–3 start in the second set, showcasing crisp offense and disciplined serving pressure. NJCU rallied late, but timely swings from Sophia Palladino (Owego, N.Y.) and Isabella Gracias (Oneonta, N.Y.) sealed the set and evened the match.

Hartwick carried that momentum directly into a scorching third set, taking control from the start and hitting over .500 as a unit while holding the Gothic Knights to their lowest point total of the day. With confidence soaring, the Hawks kept their foot down in the fourth, using a pair of critical mid-set bursts to stay in front before closing out the championship, completing the comeback and securing the crown.

Swartz authored a signature performance in her final collegiate match, earning Tournament MVP honors after erupting for a career-high 21 kills and anchoring the attack in both postseason victories. Her standout afternoon capped an unforgettable run and a landmark season for the Blue and White.

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.