ALBANY, N.Y. – The Hartwick Women's Basketball team wrapped up its 2025-26 season Tuesday evening, dropping a competitive 66-59 decision to Russell Sage at the Kahl Campus Center.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Hartwick 59 Russell Sage 66
Location: Albany, N.Y. | Kahl Campus Center
Records: Hartwick (6-19, 3-13 Empire 8) • Russell Sage (15-10, 10-6 Empire 8)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Hartwick entered its season finale looking to build off Saturday's victory over Alfred, but the host Gators opened the contest on a 12-4 run. Macy Durkin (Syracuse, N.Y.) led the early offensive effort for the Hawks before the Blue and White found their rhythm.
Yadi Smith (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) got on the board, while Durkin continued to attack the rim. Meghan Paul (Waterford, N.Y.) provided an immediate spark off the bench, knocking down a three-pointer and adding a free throw. Olivia Farnham (Millerton, N.Y.) contributed inside as Hartwick closed the first quarter trailing by seven.
The Hawks responded in the second quarter. Smith connected from the corner off a feed from Durkin, and Emma Cohen (Utica, N.Y.) scored on back-to-back possessions in the paint to tie the game. After Russell Sage regained a brief advantage, Paul drained another three to keep it a one-possession contest, and Cohen again evened the score. Niamh Kelly (Latham, N.Y.) made an impact late in the half with a driving layup followed by a steal and score, bringing Hartwick within one. The Gators, however, carried a four-point lead into the break.
Russell Sage used a run in the third quarter to push its lead to double digits, but the Hawks continued to battle. Smith opened the half with a strong take to the basket and a three-pointer. Durkin remained aggressive, finishing through contact and converting a coast-to-coast score after a defensive stop to pull Hartwick within six. Natalie Vredenburgh (Delhi, N.Y.) added key production down the stretch of the quarter, going 3-for-4 at the free throw line as the Hawks trimmed the deficit to three entering the fourth.
Cohen opened the final period with two free throws, but the Gators responded with three straight three-pointers to create separation. Smith was perfect at the line, and Vredenburgh added timely baskets in the paint, yet Russell Sage capitalized at the free throw line in the closing minutes to secure the victory.
Hartwick concludes the 2025-26 season with continued growth and determination, setting the foundation for the year ahead.
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.
