SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - The Hartwick Men's Lacrosse team opened its 2026 season on the road Tuesday afternoon, falling to Skidmore at Wachenheim Field.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Hartwick 6 Skidmore 23
Location: Saratoga Springs, N.Y. | Wachenheim Field
Records: Hartwick (0-1, 0-0 Empire 8) • Skidmore (1-0, 0-0 Liberty League)
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawks began their campaign with a challenging matchup against a Skidmore squad from the competitive Liberty League.
The Thoroughbreds set the tone early, scoring six unanswered goals before Hartwick broke through. Colby Simonetti (Pittsford, N.Y.) found Liam McManus (Skillman, N.J.) with 6:42 remaining in the first quarter for the Hawks' first goal of the 2026 season.
Skidmore answered with two more tallies, but Hartwick capitalized on a man-up opportunity late in the opening frame. Spencer Hogaboom (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) located Matthew Paquette (Newton, Mass.), who converted to close out the first-quarter scoring for the Blue and White.
In the second quarter, Empire 8 Player to Watch Colin August (Garrison, N.Y.) netted Hartwick's lone goal of the frame off an assist from Ryan Nevins (Warwick, N.Y.). August made his presence felt beyond the scoresheet, causing three turnovers and collecting a career-high seven ground balls.
After Skidmore built a 17-goal first-half output, Hartwick's defense responded with a stronger third quarter, limiting the Thoroughbreds to just two goals in the period. McManus and Paquette each recorded their second goals of the contest as the Hawks matched Skidmore's third-quarter production.
Simonetti added his first goal of the season in the fourth quarter, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome as Hartwick dropped its season opener.
The Hawks will look to regroup as they continue non-conference play before opening Empire 8 competition.
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UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will prepare for their first home contest of 2026, hosting the SUNY Oswego Lakers on Saturday, February 21 at 1PM.
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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.
