ONEONTA, N.Y. –The Hartwick Women's Basketball team stormed back from an early hole to make it a one-possession game entering the fourth before Utica survived late in conference play on Tuesday night at Lambros Arena.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Utica 63 Hartwick 53
Location: Oneonta, NY | Lambros Arena
Records: Utica (5-8, 1-3 Empire 8) • Hartwick (4-9, 1-3 Empire 8)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Hartwick Women's Basketball looked to get back on track after a weekend road trip that featured two tightly contested matchups at Elmira and Keuka, welcoming the Pioneers of Utica University to open a six-game homestand.
Utica jumped out to an early 10–2 advantage behind a trio of three-pointers before Macy Durkin (Syracuse, N.Y.) halted the Pioneer surge with a steal and finish. Utica maintained control through the remainder of the opening quarter and carried that momentum into the second, posting their most productive offensive frame with 23 points. Hartwick continued to search for a rhythm offensively, with Durkin leading the charge. Late in the half, Leah Schoonover (Fredericksburg, VA) found Trinity Thornton (Sherburne, N.Y.) in the corner, where Thornton buried a three to send the Hawks into the break with work to do.
The Hawks erupted in the third quarter, flipping the script on both ends of the floor. Emma Cohen (Utica, N.Y.) set the tone early at the free throw line before Durkin caught fire, knocking down three consecutive triples to spark an 11–2 run. Cohen added to the surge with a pair of three-pointers of her own, while Jess Bowens (Mechanicville, NY) went to work inside, attacking the offensive glass and pulling down a game-high four offensive rebounds. Hartwick smothered Utica defensively, holding the Pioneers to just seven points in the quarter, as Schoonover connected from deep and Cohen and Durkin added interior finishes to trim what was once a sizable deficit to just three points heading into the final frame.
Utica regrouped in the fourth and created just enough separation to withstand the Hawk rally. Cohen continued to keep Hartwick within striking distance with two more triples, while Durkin drained one final three on her way to a game-high 24 points. Durkin eclipsed the 20-point mark for the second straight game, tying her career high while setting a new personal best with four made three-pointers. Cohen followed with a season-best 21 points, matching her career high with four triples of her own, as Hartwick's spirited comeback effort came up just short in Empire 8 play.
UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will host the Alfred Saxons to continue their Empire 8 conference schedule on Friday, January 16th at 5:30 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.
