ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Hartwick Flag Football team suffered a setback in its final road contest of the season, falling to Elmira 36-28 on Friday afternoon and splitting the season series with the Soaring Eagles.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Hartwick 28 Elmira 36
Location: Elmira, N.Y. | Campus Field
Records: Hartwick (4-5, 3-4 Empire 8) • Elmira (5-4, 3-4 Empire 8)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Hartwick entered the matchup looking to build momentum after clinching a spot in the Empire 8 playoffs with a win over Russell Sage on Tuesday and aiming to sweep Elmira after earning the program's first victory against the Soaring Eagles on March 24.
The Blue and White opened with possession and moved 44 yards on six plays but were ultimately forced to turn the ball over. Elmira also came up empty on its first drive, halted by the Hawks' defense in four plays. The Soaring Eagles struck first on an interception return for a touchdown, though the extra point attempt was unsuccessful. First-year quarterback Audra Doll (Greene, N.Y.) answered by guiding Hartwick down the field. In the red zone, an option play put the ball in the hands of Ellie Kalbach (Spring City, Pa.), who rolled out and connected with Zoe Sullivan (Sidney, N.Y.) for the tying score as the game sat at 6-6 after one quarter.
Elmira responded with a touchdown and converted the two-point try to take an eight-point lead. The Soaring Eagles added another score on their next possession, stretching the advantage to 20-6. Hartwick settled in with an eight-play drive capped by another Kalbach-to-Sullivan touchdown connection. The Hawks converted the two-point attempt to cut the deficit to 20-14 heading into halftime after both defenses held firm late in the second quarter.
Elmira opened the third quarter with a nine-play scoring drive to extend its lead. Hartwick answered immediately when Doll broke loose for a 66-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion to pull within six. After a defensive stop, the Hawks marched 45 yards on seven plays, with Doll finding Bailey McCoy (Otego, N.Y.) for the tying touchdown. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score even at 28-28.
The Soaring Eagles responded with a seven-play drive that resulted in the go-ahead touchdown and a successful two-point conversion. Hartwick regained possession late in the third quarter but could not generate additional points. The Hawks' defense held Elmira scoreless in the fourth quarter, but the Blue and White were unable to find the equalizer, falling 36-28.
UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
Hartwick will host SUNY Brockport in its regular-season finale while celebrating its two seniors on Saturday, April 18 at 3 p.m.
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.
