ALFRED, N.Y. – The Hartwick Women's Basketball team closed out its final road trip of the season in commanding fashion, using a dominant first quarter to secure a 71-60 Empire 8 victory over Alfred on Saturday afternoon at Terry S. Galanis Family Arena.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Hartwick 71  Alfred 60
Location: Alfred, N.Y. | Terry S. Galanis Family Arena
Records: Hartwick (6-18, 3-12 Empire 8) • Alfred (11-13, 5-10 Empire 8)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Hartwick knocked down a season-high 21 free throws, the third-best mark in the conference this season.

• Yadi Smith poured in a career-high 21 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals.

• Macy Durkin grabbed 10+ rebounds for the 11th time this season, finishing with her seventh double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds). 

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawks opened the conference matchup with intensity, sprinting out to a 14-1 lead in the first six minutes of play. Yadi Smith (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) hauled down the rebound and fired it to Macy Durkin (Syracuse, N.Y.) for the opening score. A repeat sequence from Smith led to a Trinity Thornton (Sherburne, N.Y.) three pointer before Durkin found Jessica Bowens (Malta, N.Y.) on the fastbreak score.


The Saxons split a trip to the free throw line before Natalie Vredenburgh (Delhi, N.Y.) fired in her first triple with Smith picking up another assist. Smith continued to impact the game, forcing a turnover and earning a trip to the free throw line on the other end, sinking both attempts. Wick continued to execute their press at a high level, suffocating the Saxons as a Vredenburgh steal led to a Smith layup, forcing an Alfred timeout, capping off the first quarter with a 14-3 advantage, holding the Saxons to 1-16 shooting performance in the first frame.


Macy Durkin kept the Hawks surging, opening the second quarter with six straight points, Bowens picked up a steal and score before the Saxons settled in. Alfred built a 12-3 run to jump back into the contest and pull within four before a triple from Niamh Kelly (Latham, N.Y.) halted the Saxon run.  The Hawks were able to hold onto their lead, despite the Saxons putting together their best offensive output of the game, pouring in 24 points. With a three point lead after the break, the Saxons pulled within one with the opening bucket but the Blue and White responded with their best offensive quarter.


A driving score from Emma Cohen (Utica, N.Y.) put the Hawks up three before consecutive trips to the free throw line gave Alfred their first lead of the afternoon, Smith answered back with a flawless trip to the free throw line before the Hawks began to attack the rim at will. Cohen, Smith, and Durkin added driving scores as the Saxons attempted to stay in the contest from behind the arc, the Hawks continued to push the pace led by the three repeatedly finding their way to the rack. A Durkin steal led to a flawless trip to the line for Emma Cohen before a Cohen steal led to a Durkin bucket as the lead quickly moved back to double-digits.


The Saxons worked to slice the lead back down but a strong effort from Olivia Farnham (Millerton, N.Y.) led to a second chance bucket for Vredenburgh to close out the third quarter. The Blue and White put together 23 points in the quarter, shooting a blistering 64% from the floor as Cohen led the charge with 8 points and Durkin followed closely with seven in the frame. The fourth quarter began with the Hawks firmly in control as they looked to seal the contest as Yadi Smith opened the final ten minutes with a driving score.


Alfred looked to mount a late comeback, putting together a 9-4 spurt to pull within six with time becoming limited. Natalie Vredenburgh spotted Emma Cohen behind the arc for the three pointer as Cohen's triple virtually sealed the contest, putting the Hawks up ten with two minutes remaining. Yadi Smith would take matters into her own hands, leaving no doubt by going 7-8 at the stripe in the final minute, sealing the career night for Smith and securing the triumph for the Hawks.


Smith was all over the court, putting together a complete performance built on 21 points, adding in seven rebounds, five assists and four steals on the night. Macy Durkin pulled in her seventh double-double on the year from her guard position, piecing together 17 points and ten rebounds as the standout junior continues to build her resume. Cohen rounded out the double digit scorers with 13 points, reaching double figures in over half of her contests this year.

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will close out the 2025-2026 campaign at Russell Sage, tipping-off against the Gators on Tuesday, February 17th at 5:30PM.

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.