ONEONTA, N.Y. – The Hartwick Flag Football team opened its inaugural season in historic fashion, defeating the previously undefeated Elmira Soaring Eagles, 26-18, in the program's first-ever varsity contest at Wright Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Elmira 18 Hartwick 26
Location: Oneonta, N.Y. | Wright Stadium
Records: Elmira (2-1, 0-1 Empire 8) • Hartwick (1-0, 1-0 Empire 8)
 

HOW IT HAPPENED
Prior to kickoff, Hartwick held a ceremonial coin toss to commemorate the addition of its 21st varsity sport. Team captains Audra Doll (Greene, NY), Bailey McCoy (Otego, NY), Ellie Kalbach (Spring City, Pa.), and Anna Stanavich (Amsterdam, NY) were joined at midfield by honorary captains, Hartwick College President James Mullen and Provost and President-Elect Laurel Bongiorno, marking a special moment on Oyaron Hill.

Elmira won the toss, and the Hawks took the field for their first offensive drive in program history. Heaven Levere (Liverpool, NY) recorded the program's first positive play with a 15-yard rush for a first down. Doll added eight yards on the ground before a loss forced Hartwick to punt.

The Hawk defense responded immediately, forcing a turnover on downs behind key plays from McCoy, Delaney Steele (Manlius, NY), Lexi Cheeseman (Owego, N.Y.), and Kendra Charland (Albany, NY). The pressure continued as Reese Malfetonne (Holtsville, NY) and Ziyon Harrison (Clay, NY) disrupted Elmira's next possession with a tackle for loss and a six-yard sack.

Hartwick capitalized on the momentum. A 16-yard run by Kalbach moved the Hawks into the red zone before Doll advanced the ball to the four-yard line. On fourth down, Kalbach connected with Stanavich for the program's first-ever touchdown.

The Hawks extended their lead early in the second quarter as Doll found Kalbach for a 50-yard touchdown pass and added a two-point conversion to make it 14-0. Hartwick's defense continued to dominate, with McCoy, Harrison, Steele, and Cheeseman leading a relentless effort.

The offense stayed hot, scoring on a third consecutive drive. McCoy broke off a 15-yard run before Doll capped the possession with a 13-yard rushing touchdown. Later in the half, McCoy added a 51-yard touchdown reception to give Hartwick a commanding 26-0 advantage.

Elmira responded late in the second quarter with a 13-play scoring drive to cut into the deficit before halftime.

The Soaring Eagles carried that momentum into the third quarter, adding another touchdown on a lengthy drive. However, Hartwick's defense came up big when Malfetonne recorded a crucial sack in the red zone, followed by three straight incompletions forced by the Hawks.

In the fourth quarter, McCoy delivered a pivotal play, intercepting Elmira in the end zone to preserve Hartwick's lead. The Hawks controlled the clock on their next drive, limiting Elmira's opportunities down the stretch.

Elmira added a late touchdown but failed to convert the extra point and could not recover the onside kick, sealing the historic 26-18 victory for Hartwick.

"Proud doesn't even begin to cover it," said Head Coach Aaron Zurn. "This first win is a testament to the belief, toughness, and unity these young women have built from day one. They trusted the process, played for each other, and showed exactly what Hartwick flag football is all about—heart, resilience, and relentless effort."

Doll led the offense with an outstanding debut, throwing for 114 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 104 yards and another score.

Kalbach contributed a passing touchdown and a 50-yard receiving score, while McCoy totaled a 51-yard touchdown reception and the game-sealing interception. Stanavich recorded two receptions for 17 yards, including the program's first touchdown.

Defensively, Harrison led the Hawks with 14 flag pulls, including two for loss, while Steele added nine. Kalbach and Cheeseman contributed seven and six stops, respectively. Malfetonne anchored the pass rush with two sacks and three tackles for loss, while Cheeseman and McCoy each tallied three pass breakups.

"What a great day to be a Hawk!" said Executive Director of Athletics Paul Vecchio. "It was incredible to see such a strong turnout from our campus and community for a historic moment. I'm proud of our coaches and student-athletes for earning a hard-fought Empire 8 victory."

NEWS COVERAGE

WUTR-TV UTICA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=XvhyWBLmrWo

WICZ-TV BINGHAMTON - https://www.wicz.com/sports/hartwick-college-debuts-flag-football-program-defeats-elmira-in-first-ever-game/video_2695e265-e773-5770-a25d-c479950b1387.html

WBNG-TV BINGHAMTON - https://www.wbng.com/2026/03/25/hartwick-womens-flag-football-opens-program-with-26-18-win-over-elmira/

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will host Geneseo, taking on the Knights in an Empire 8 bout at 12PM on Saturday, March 28th.

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.