ONEONTA, NY - The Hawks would record an incredible comeback in the fourth quarter and triumph over the Utica University Pioneers for the first time in 16 years.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Utica 12 Hartwick 13

• Location: Oneonta, NY

• Records: Utica (7-7, 4-4 Empire 8) Hartwick (8-6, 5-3 Empire 8)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Utica would win the first draw, but Brianna Liebro (Castleton, N.Y) would show off her defensive skills as #1 in the nation for caused turnovers per game, forcing a turnover and giving Hawks possession.

• It would be IWLCA DIII Offensive Player of the Week, Kristen Vaccarelli (Dix Hills, N.Y.) who would net the first goal of the contest only three minutes in.

• Utica would answer back with a free-position goal quickly after, though they would stumble in defending Parker Laurin (Wilton, N.Y.) who would outmaneuver the defending Pioneers and record a goal assisted by all-time assist leader, Katrina Marten (Middlesex, N.Y.).

• Another aggressive push from the Hawks on offense would give Kara Anderson prime opportunity to score, bringing them up by two.

• However, after a Utica timeout, the Pioneers would regain momentum and drive into the offensive zone, tallying three goals to take the lead going into the second quarter.

• Utica was aggressive on the defensive and in transitions, giving up nothing to the Hawks in the second quarter, while they racked up three more goals, one of which was man-up after a Hawks yellow card.

• The Pioneers were hot going into the second half, determined to hang onto their lead and successfully snagging another four goals before Hartwick could get back on the board.

• Another goal by Laurin, this time assisted by Vaccarelli, would put an end to their scoring drought with just over five minutes left in the third.

• Kara Anderson (Collingwood, Ont.) would also net a goal of her own off a low shot from an impossible angle.

• With a minute remaining in the third quarter, the Pioneers would score their twelfth goal of the contest in an effort to stifle the Hawks' growing energy.

• The fourth and final quarter displayed a collapse of the Pioneers' defense, as two goals by Vaccarelli and Marten, respectively, chipped away at the deficit.

• A green card on Utica soon gave the opportunity for a man-up free position goal by Laurin, earning her a hat trick for the day.

• Marten would catch another assist, this time off a goal by Hanna Goodreau (North Reading, Mass.), turning the pressure up on Utica.

• After another timeout by the Pioneers, Vaccarelli would show once more that she was a force to be reckoned with, snagging two more goals, one of which was assisted by Marten, to cut the Utica lead down to only one.

• With Utica's energy draining and the Hawks only building, Marten and Goodreau would connect yet again for an assist and a goal, respectively, the pair knotting the game for the first time since the first quarter.

• As the clock ticked down, and the threat of overtime loomed, the Hawks utilized another timeout to strategize.

• 'Wick would continue to earn possession, and a green card by Utica would soon give Vaccarelli a man-up free-position opportunity.

• With all eyes on her, Vaccarelli would bury the final goal of the game, securing the lead with her fifth goal of the night.

• With only a minute remaining, the Hawks would hold off the Pioneers for an impressive comeback win that would go down in 'Wick women's lacrosse history as the first win against Utica in 16 years, and one of the Hawks biggest comeback stories.

• Brooke Lynnett (Acton, Mass.) seemed unstoppable by the end of the contest, making 12 high-pressure saves and shutting out the Pioneers in the fourth.

• With 8 caused turnovers, Liebro would not only tie the Hartwick all-time record for most caused turnovers in a single game, but would also surpass 100 career caused turnovers.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will take on the undefeated St. John Fisher University Cardinals at Wright Stadium in their final regular season game on Saturday, April 26th at 1:00PM.

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.