CORTLAND, N.Y. - The Hartwick Women's Volleyball team headed to SUNY Cortland for a non-conference matchup with the Red Dragons, falling in three sets to the SUNYAC powerhouse.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Hartwick 0 SUNY Cortland 3

• Location: Cortland, N.Y. | Whitney T. Corey '43 Gym

• Records: Hartwick (2-3, 0-0 Empire 8) Cortland (2-2, 0-0 SUNYAC)

BY THE NUMBERS 

• Cortland has gotten the best of the Hawks on the hardwood, taking their sixth straight win in program history.

• Sophia Palladino (Owego, N.Y.) and Mackenzie Cahan (Ballston Spa, N.Y.) led the charge on offense with seven kills apiece.

• Mary Kinnane (Far Rockaway, N.Y.) was the game leader in aces, collecting two on the night.

HOW IT HAPPENED 

After competing in the North Jersey Challenge with a tri-match at Kean and Montclair State last weekend, the Hawks traveled to Cortland for their first single match of the season.

Cortland came out strong, opening the contest with an 11–0 run that caught Hartwick off guard. The Red Dragons rode that early momentum to a commanding first set win, while the Hawks regrouped in hopes of mounting a stronger response in the following sets.

The Blue and White found more rhythm in the second, with Cahan leading the offensive charge and keeping Hartwick on the board with timely kills. A handful of Cortland errors helped the Hawks stay within striking distance, but the Red Dragons maintained control, pulling away late to take the set, 25–16.

Hartwick played its most competitive volleyball in the third, showing improved cohesion and effort. However, Cortland's powerful duo of Pirrera and Ballou proved difficult to contain, combining for 31 kills on the night. Despite a resilient effort, Coach Donovan's squad ultimately dropped the third set, falling to a strong Red Dragons team in straight sets.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will stay at SUNY Cortland for a tri-match against University of Rochester and Bowdoin College on Saturday, September 6th at 12 and 3:30 PM.

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.