MONTCLAIR, N.J. - The Hartwick Women's Volleyball team geared up for their second tri-match in the Garden State, defeating Washington College but fell to host Montclair State on Saturday afternoon.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Washington 1 Hartwick 3

• Location: Montclair, N.J. | Panzer Athletic Center 

• Records: Washington (0-4, 0-0 Centennial) Hartwick (2-1, 0-0 Empire 8) 

BY THE NUMBERS (vs Washington)

• A balanced attack from the Hawks lifted them over the Shorewomen as Palladino and Walker racked up ten kills. Swartz and Gracias followed closely with nine kills apiece.

• Ellie Kalbach (Spring City, Pa.) was superb in the setter position, collecting a new career high 38 assists.

• The Hawks were lethal on the serve as well, putting up their best performance yet with nine kills as Kalbach led the squad with three.

HOW IT HAPPENED (vs Washington)

The Hawks hit the hardwood for their second tri-match in as many days, squaring off against Washington College of Maryland for the first time in program history.

Hartwick got off to a slow start as the Shorewomen seized early momentum, racing out to a commanding lead. After an early 4-4 tie, the Hawks couldn't close the gap, dropping the opening set 9-25.

Coach Donovan's squad regrouped quickly and responded with authority in the second set. Sparked by Mackenzie Cahan (Ballston Spa, N.Y.), who tallied five consecutive digs to set up multiple kills, Hartwick jumped out to a 10-3 lead. The attacking duo of Lucille Walker (Ithaca, N.Y.) and Sophia Palladino (Owego, N.Y.) dominated at the net, helping the Hawks cruise to a 25-15 win and even the match.

Palladino carried that momentum into the third set, opening with a flurry of kills before Shelby Swartz (Candor, N.Y.)and Isabella Gracias (Oneonta, N.Y.) joined the offensive push. Cahan continued her all-around impact, adding kills and aces to complement her strong defense. Despite Washington battling back to take a 16-15 lead, Hartwick stayed poised. After a 17-17 tie, Swartz delivered three clutch kills and an ace, while Gracias sealed the 25-22 victory with two kills of her own.

The fourth set was a thriller, featuring 10 ties and several lead changes. Washington surged ahead 20-15, but the Hawks refused to fold, scoring five unanswered to tie the set at 20-20. After another tie at 22, Cahan punctuated her standout day with back-to-back kills, and Walker slammed the match-winner to cap an incredible comeback for Hartwick.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Hartwick 0 Montclair State 3

• Location: Montclair, N.J. | Panzer Athletic Center 

• Records: Hartwick (2-2, 0-0 Empire 8) Montclair State (4-0, 0-0 NJAC)

BY THE NUMBERS (vs Montclair State)

• Lucille Walker made her presence felt on both sides of the net, leading the Hawks with 12 kills and four blocks.

• The Hawks and Red Hawks have now met twice in program history with Montclair State taking both contests, the first coming in 2013.

• Isabella Gracias maintains her stellar start to the 2025 season, becoming just the third player in the Empire 8 conference to reach 40 kills.

HOW IT HAPPENED (vs Montclair State)

The Hawks opened strong in their final match of the day, going toe-to-toe with Montclair State in a grueling first set that featured 10 ties and neither team leading by more than four points. Walker and Gracias paced the Hartwick attack, but the efficiency of the Red Hawks proved decisive as they claimed the opening set.

Hartwick responded early in the second, racing out to a 6-2 lead before Montclair State settled in. The Blue and White kept things close, pulling even at 11-11, but the Red Hawks' late surge created separation that Hartwick couldn't overcome, dropping the second set.

The third set was a story of runs, and while Hartwick fought hard to stay within striking distance, Montclair State delivered the final push to seal the match. Despite the loss, the Hawks split their tri-match with a gritty performance.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will head to SUNY Cortland for a non-conference matchup with the Red Dragons on Friday, September 5th at 6PM.

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.