SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - The Hartwick Women's Volleyball team wrapped up the Crosstown Challenge on Saturday afternoon, falling to New Paltz and Union College.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: New Paltz 3 Hartwick 2

• Location: Schenectady, N.Y. | Viniar Athletic Center

• Records: New Paltz (6-2, 0-0 SUNYAC) Hartwick (4-7, 0-0 Empire 8) 

BY THE NUMBERS (vs New Paltz)

• Hartwick suffered their first five set loss against New Paltz, previously winning their first two affairs.

• The Hartwick Hawks matched up with New Paltz for the first time since 2015, still searching for the first program victory.

• Isabella Gracias (Oneonta, N.Y.) led all players with 16 kills, Shelby Swartz (Candor, N.Y.) and Sophia Palladino (Owego, N.Y.) each tallied ten.

HOW IT HAPPENED (vs New Paltz)

The Hartwick volleyball team closed out their third match of theCrosstown Challenge on Saturday with a hard-fought five-set match against New Paltz, ultimately falling 3-2 in a contest defined by momentum swings.

New Paltz opened strong with a nine-point run to secure the first set, 25-19. Hartwick responded in the second behind the trio of Gracias, Swartz, and  Palladino, pulling away late for a 25-19 win of their own. The third set proved to be pivotal as the Hawks surged ahead with an eight-point run to lead 19-14, only to see New Paltz storm back with 11 unanswered points to claim the set, 25-19.

Refusing to fold, Hartwick once again put together a decisive run in the fourth, stringing together eight straight points to close out another 25-19 victory and force a deciding fifth. The final frame followed the theme of the match, with New Paltz seizing early momentum and never letting go, taking the set and the match.

• The Hawks matched up with the Garnet Chargers for the first time since defeating them in four sets in 2021.

• Hartwick came up big at the net, posting eight blocks compared to Union's two.

• Shelby Swartz was named to the Crosstown Challenge All-Tournament Team, joining nine other players from seven different institutions.

HOW IT HAPPENED (vs Union)

After a grueling five-set match earlier in the day, the Hartwick volleyball team faced Union College for the 11th consecutive road contest, ultimately falling in straight sets to close the Crosstown Challenge.

The Hawks started strong in the first set, keeping pace with the hosts before unforced errors allowed Union to take it 25-20. Hartwick's defense shone in the second set, forcing tough rallies, but the team was unable to outscore the hosts, dropping the set 25-19. Union saved its best hitting for the third set, closing out the match despite a determined effort from the Hawks. Malia Dake (South Glens Falls, N.Y) was strong on defense, leading all players with fifteen digs in the loss.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will head to Oneonta for a Battle of The Hills matchup against the Red Dragons on Wednesday, September 17 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.