BROCKPORT, N.Y. – The Hartwick Flag Football team traveled to Brockport for the semifinal round of the 2026 Empire 8 Women's Flag Football Tournament, falling to the No. 2-seeded Golden Eagles in playoff action on Tuesday afternoon at Bob Boozer Field.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Hartwick 18 Brockport 47
Location: Brockport, N.Y. | Bob Boozer Field
Records: Hartwick (4-7, 3-5 Empire 8) • Brockport (8-3, 6-2 Empire 8)

HOW IT HAPPENED
After a narrow two-point loss to the Golden Eagles in the regular season finale this past Saturday, the Hawks looked to avenge the setback with a trip to the championship on the line.

The Blue and White opened with possession and pieced together a 13-play drive before being turned away by the Golden Eagle defense on fourth-and-goal. Brockport answered on its opening drive and converted the extra point, seizing early momentum following the defensive stand. Hartwick was forced to punt on its next possession, and the Golden Eagles capitalized again, stretching the lead to 14-0 early in the second quarter.

Audra Doll (Greene, NY) used her legs to move the chains on the ensuing drive, but the Hawks were forced to punt once more as Brockport's defense continued to hold firm. The Golden Eagles moved back into Hartwick territory on the following possession, but the Hawks stiffened near the goal line. Ellie Kalbach (Spring City, Pa.) broke up a fourth-down pass attempt to prevent the hosts from extending the advantage.

Hartwick found rhythm on its next drive as rushes from Doll and Anne Stanavich (Amsterdam, NY) generated positive yardage. A sizable gain from Kalbach pushed the Hawks into Brockport territory for the first time, and a Stanavich reverse resulted in six points to get Hartwick on the board. The one-point conversion attempt was stopped just short of the goal line, leaving the score at 14-6. Brockport responded by driving downfield, but Lexi Cheeseman (Owego, NY) made a key stop just shy of the marker to give Hartwick possession late in the half. With under two minutes remaining, the Hawks attempted to push the ball downfield but were unable to connect on deep passes. Brockport regained possession and, aided by a pass interference call, added another score as time expired to take a 21-6 lead into halftime.

Brockport opened the second half with possession and again worked deep into Hartwick territory, but Kalbach disrupted another fourth-down pass to halt the drive. The Golden Eagles answered moments later, recording two interceptions, including a return for a touchdown, to widen the gap. Bailey McCoy (Otego, N.Y.) hauled in a first-down reception to spark the Hawks, and a sprint from Heaven Levere (Liverpool, NY) pushed Hartwick past midfield. Mixing the run and pass effectively, Doll connected with McCoy for a touchdown to cut into the deficit.

Brockport used the remainder of the third quarter and early portion of the fourth to extend its lead. The Hawks responded with a scoring strike from Doll to Zoe Sullivan (Sidney, NY) for Hartwick's third touchdown of the afternoon, but with time dwindling, the Blue and White were unable to mount a comeback, falling in the semifinal round to conclude their inaugural season.

 

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.