Rochester, NY – The Hawks set out for Rochester, playing their first tri-match of the weekend at St. John Fisher.
THE BASICS
- Final Score: St. John Fisher 3, Hartwick 0
- Location: Rochester, NY | Manning-Napier Varsity Gym
- Records: St. John Fisher (6-5 1-2 UVC) Hartwick (3-11, 0-0 DIII Independent)
HOW IT HAPPENED (Match 1 vs. St. John Fisher)
The Hawks opened their day against the Cardinals, dropping the match in three tightly contested sets. The opening set went point-for-point, with both sides trading serves early. Tied at 10–10, the Cardinals found their offensive rhythm and used a five-point run to create separation, setting the tone for the remainder of the set.
Hartwick responded in the second with renewed intensity, tallying 10 kills against St. John Fisher.
Anthony Ruggiero (Schenectady, N.Y.) and
Keegan Doherty (Methuen, Mass.) each recorded three kills for the Hawks, while setter
Nate Roorbach (East Aurora, N.Y.) added a kill of his own, assisted by
Ethan McCaw (Ilion, N.Y.). Hartwick stayed within striking distance throughout the set, but Fisher maintained control to claim the set with a final of 25–19, putting them up 2 against the Hawks.
The third set was Hartwick's strongest performance of the match, the Hawks pushing the Cardinals to 21 points. An early ace from Roorbach helped the Blue and White a four-point advantage to open the set, but Fisher answered with a run to even the score. The teams once again battled point-for-point, with the Cardinals gradually edging ahead. McCaw, Doherty, and Ruggiero each recorded four kills, accounting for all 12 of Hartwick's team kills. Ruggiero also anchored the defense with a match-high 13 digs. Despite the elevated pace and effort, the Hawks came up just short, falling 25–21 to close out their first match of the day.
THE BASICS
- Final Score: Misericordia 3, Hartwick 0
- Location: Rochester, NY | Manning-Napier Varsity Gym
- Records: Misericordia (7-8, 0-0 Middle Atlantic) Hartwick (3-12, 0-0 DIII Independent)
HOW IT HAPPENED (Match 2 vs. Misericordia)
For their next contest the Hawks squared off against familiar foe Misericordia for the second time this season. Roorbach directed the offense, distributing the ball effectively as Hartwick found kills from every position. Libero,
Colby Myers (Ilion, NY) added to the effort with a back-row kill of his own. Hartwick totaled 9 kills in the first, building a strong offensive foundation. Although the Blue and White displayed a well-rounded and balanced attack, the Cougars ultimately claimed the first set 25-18.
Matt Ramirez (Rome, NY) led the second set with 4 kills, proving essential from the middle. Hartwick jumped out to an early four-point advantage, before Misericordia answered with a five-point run to regain momentum. The set turned into a point-for-point battle down the stretch, the Hawks coming up just short in a 25-21 decision.
Hartwick responded with determination in the third set, pushing Misericordia to the limit. The Hawks delivered their best offensive performance of the match with 12 kills, hitting a 0.257. Ruggiero led the attack with 5 kills, all set up by Roorbach, while
Pedro Martins (São Paulo, Brazil) contributed with an ace and a kill to inch the Hawks ahead. Tied 26-26, the Cougars closed with two consecutive kills to secure the 28-26 victory and seal the second match of the day.
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.
