ONEONTA, N.Y. - The Hartwick Women's Basketball team matched up with the Utica Pioneers, defending their home court in a hard-fought triumph, powered by great defensive execution.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Utica 53 Hartwick 54 

• Location: Oneonta, N.Y.

• Records: Utica (3-18, 1-11 Empire 8) Hartwick (6-14, 4-8 Empire 8) 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Hartwick prepared to tip-off against the Pioneers of Utica University, looking to even up the season series with a victory at Lambros Arena.

• The Hawk defense began to pester the Pioneer offense from the starting whistle, forcing a turnover on the opening possesion.

• Niamh Kelly (Latham, N.Y.) put the first points up on the scoreboard, knocking down the second chance opportunity, coming off the feed from Emma Cohen (Utica, N.Y.).

• Utica got on the board with a three pointer but Kelly converted on the second chance opportunity in the painted area once again, this time off the feed from Daniella DeBiase (Staten Island, N.Y.).

• Hartwick continued to set the tone down low as Macy Durkin (Syracuse, N.Y.) connected on back to back buckets as the teams traded the lead all throughout the first quarter.

• With two minutes remaining, Trinity Thornton (Sherburne, N.Y.) sank the contested bucket through contact, earning a trip to the free throw line. Thornton completed the three point play to give the Hawks some momentum with a three point lead.

• The Hawks would carry that three point lead into the second quarter with Cohen capping off the first quarter with a steal and score.

• The two teams stayed neck and neck as time began to dwindle in the first half, the Pioneers sank a three pointer to take the lead at the five minute mark.

• Yadi Smith (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) drained a three pointer of her own to respond and pull the Hawks ahead by one.

• Two missed three pointers by Hartwick allowed Utica to build a five point cushion with three minutes remaining. Durkin sank a big time fadeaway three pointer to end the five point run for Utica.

• DeBiase connected on the pull-up baseline jumper to bring the squad within two points of their Empire 8 conference foe to close out the tightly contested first half.

• The Pioneers opened the second half with back to back buckets, Cohen connected on the and-one opportunity as the Hawks looked to claw their way back into the contest.

• Durkin connected on a tough driving layup as Smith picked up the assist as the Hawks trailed by one with seven minutes remaining.

• The third quarter turned into a defensive showcase as both teams held each other scoreless for the next five minutes before Kelly snapped the cold streak with another interior bucket, putting the Hawks in front.

• DeBiase knocked down another crucial jumper at the end of the quarter as an action-packed fourth quarter awaited us with the Hawks leading by one.

• Kelly continued to torch Utica's interior defense, knocking down the contested layup over the larger defender to start the fourth.

• Back to back three pointers from Cohen and Syd Delisle (Mechanicville, N.Y.) gave the Royal Blue & White their biggest lead of the night, leading by six with under two minutes remaining.

• Coach Lombard's squad relied on their lone senior to secure the victory and DeBiase did not let the team down. Daniella displayed her veteran presence with a stoic calmness, icing the Pioneers with the final six points, knocking down crucial jumpers all night.

• Utica gave it their all in attempts of a comeback, almost sending the game to overtime but failed to connect on the game-tying free throw in the final second of the contest.

• Kelly had a career night, pouring in a career high 12 points in her young collegiate career, shooting 6-7 on the night. DeBiase also posted 12 points, Durkin just missed the double-double, snagging 12 rebounds and scoring nine points.

• Kylie Guarino (Auburn, N.Y.) was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end, protecting the painted area with great success, picking up a career-high three blocks.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will hit the road for a Saturday afternoon tip-off, matching up with the SUNY Poly Wildcats on Saturday, February 8th at 2PM.

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.