ONEONTA, N.Y. – The Hartwick Flag Football team returned to the win column on Tuesday, defeating Russell Sage 30-8 at Wright Stadium.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Russell Sage 8 Hartwick 30
Location: Oneonta, N.Y. | Wright Stadium
Records: Russell Sage (1-6, 1-6 Empire 8) • Hartwick (4-4, 3-3 Empire 8)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Hartwick returned home after five straight on the road looking to avenge an earlier three-point loss to the Gators. The Hawks leaned on the ground game early, as Audra Doll (Greene, NY) opened the contest with a 15-yard rush before Anne Stanavich (Amsterdam, NY) added a 14-yard gain to move the chains. Bailey McCoy (Otego, N.Y.) and Zoe Sullivan (Sidney, NY) contributed positive carries as Hartwick marched into the red zone, but the drive stalled on fourth down. The defense responded with a quick stop, highlighted by McCoy, and a strong punt return from Doll set up another opportunity that again came up empty.
The Hawks broke through late in the first quarter. After Ziyon Harrison (Clay, N.Y.) recorded a tackle for loss to halt a Sage drive, Hartwick moved downfield behind a 10-yard rush from Heaven Levere (Liverpool, NY). Doll finished the possession with a 39-yard touchdown run and converted the two-point attempt to give the Blue and White an 8-0 lead. Russell Sage responded with its most promising drive of the half, but McCoy shifted the momentum, intercepting a pass and returning it 43 yards for a touchdown. Another successful two-point conversion extended the Hartwick advantage to 16-0.
Hartwick continued to build its lead in the second quarter. After a defensive stop, Lexi Cheeseman (Otego, N.Y.) jump-started the offense before Doll connected with McCoy for a 27-yard completion. Runs from Doll and Stanavich set up an 11-yard touchdown reception by Ellie Kalbach (Spring City, Pa.), pushing the lead to 22-0. The Hawks' defense held strong again with a fourth-down stop deep in their own territory, but Russell Sage capitalized on a late turnover and scored as time expired in the half, sending the teams to the break with Hartwick ahead 22-8.
The Hawks controlled the second half defensively. Russell Sage was forced to punt on its opening possession before Kalbach intercepted a pass to stop another drive. Hartwick capitalized when Sullivan powered in for a 13-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 30-8. Both defenses held firm throughout the fourth quarter as the Blue and White secured the conference victory.
Doll completed six passes for 83 yards and a touchdown while adding 114 rushing yards and a score on 14 carries. McCoy led the receiving corps with three catches for 53 yards and added six tackles along with her 43-yard pick-six. Kalbach totaled two receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown while anchoring the defense with 12 flag pulls and an interception. Stanavich recorded nine tackles with one for loss, and Harrison added five tackles, three for loss, and a sack.
UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
Hartwick will hit the road for their final contest away from home, facing off against Elmira College on Friday, April 17 at 4PM.
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.
