ONEONTA, N.Y. – Women's soccer earned a 1-0 Empire 8 victory over Alfred University, shutting the Saxons out on Elmore Field.
The Hawks broke through in the second half when
Caoimhe Crisci (Mahopac, N.Y.) scored in the 52
nd minute to give Hartwick the lead. Crisci's goal, her first of the season, proved to be the difference in the matchup.
Hartwick's defense held strong throughout the contest, limiting Alfred to one shot on goal. Goalkeeper
Kelsey Bollen (Wappingers Falls, N.Y.) recorded one save to secure the shutout as the Hawks protected their advantage through the final whistle.
Hartwick finished with seven shots, including three on target, and earned five corner kicks. Alfred recorded eight shots and 3 corners, but the Hawks' defensive effort kept the Saxons off of the scoreboard.
The teams played a scoreless first half, Hartwick creating opportunities through shots from
Ella Grupe (Freehold, N.Y.) and
Marisol Gadziala (New Hartford, N.Y.). Both sides had chances from corners, but neither could find the back of the net before halftime.
Hartwick opened the scoring at 51:58 when Crisci found the net to put the Hawks ahead 1-0. Alfred looked to respond with several second half attempts, but Bollen made a key save in the 80
th minute to preserve the lead. Hartwick continued to apply pressure late, earning multiple corner kicks to keep Alfred at bay, and closing out the win.
