ONEONTA, N.Y. - The Hartwick Field Hockey team opened their conference slate with a statement victory, handing the Houghton Highlanders their first loss of the season on Saturday morning at Wright Stadium.

THE BASICS

• Final Score:  Houghton 0 Hartwick 4 

• Location: Oneonta, N.Y. | Wright Stadium

• Records: Houghton (4-1, 0-1 Empire 8) (Hartwick (1-4 1-0 Empire 8) 

BY THE NUMBERS 

• Hartwick pushes their win streak to 12 straight over their conference foes, sitting at 16 wins in 18 contests all-time.

• Ava Reynolds (South Glens Falls, N.Y.) and her defense locked down the Highlander attack as Reynolds notched 10 saves in her first clean sheet.

• First Year Lexi Cheeseman (Owego, N.Y.) found the back of the cage for the first time in her collegiate career, sinking the pass from Dani Hand (Queensbury, N.Y.).

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hartwick Field Hockey team put together a commanding performance on True Blue Weekend, defeating Houghton University 4–0 in their Empire 8 opener on Saturday morning. With dozens of alumni in attendance, the Hawks delivered a complete team effort on both ends of the field.

Hartwick came out firing despite the early 11 a.m. start, pressuring the Highlanders from the opening whistle. Hope Angioletti (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.) had the first chance of the match turned away by the keeper, but quickly made amends, intercepting a clearance and rifling in her first goal of the season from just outside the circle to give the Hawks a 1–0 edge. The Hawks dominated the quarter, earning six corners, though Houghton's defense limited further damage.

The second quarter was all Hartwick. Just four minutes in, Katelyn Klotz (South Glens Falls, N.Y.) connected with Kayla Kinkel (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.) off a penalty corner to double the lead. Angioletti continued to drive play, earning another corner and then setting up Kendal Woolley (Blue Point, N.Y.) to push the margin to three. With momentum fully on their side, the Hawks struck again before halftime as Lexi Cheeseman buried her first career goal, finishing a pass from Dani Hand with just over three minutes left in the half.

Protecting a 4–0 cushion, the Hartwick defense locked things down the rest of the way. Goalkeeper Ava Reynolds (South Glens Falls, N.Y.) and the back line stood tall, holding Houghton without a single shot in the third quarter and keeping the Highlanders off the board for the full 60 minutes.

The Hawks outshot Houghton 19–11 and finished with a 12–7 edge in penalty corners, showcasing their dominance in possession and attacking play. With the win, Hartwick improves to 1–0 in Empire 8 action and carries strong momentum into the heart of their conference slate.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The Hawks will look to defend home field against the Union College Garnet Chargers on Wednesday, September 24th at 4PM.

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.