UTICA, N.Y. –The Hartwick Women's Lacrosse team fell in the first round of the Empire 8 Women's Lacrosse Tournament, dropping an 18-9 decision to the No. 4 seeded Utica Pioneers on Tuesday afternoon at ABM Field at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.
THE BASICS
Final Score: No.5 Hartwick 9 No.4 Utica 18
Location: Utica, N.Y. | ABM Field at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium
Records: Hartwick (7-10, 5-4 Empire 8) • Utica (11-6, 6-3 Empire 8)
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawks traveled to Utica for the opening round of the Empire 8 playoffs, seeking redemption after falling to the Pioneers last week as the hosts secured the No. 4 seed.
After a quiet opening four minutes, Utica broke through with an unassisted goal before Parker Laurin (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) answered just 15 seconds later to even the contest. The Pioneers responded with three straight goals to build a 4-1 advantage, but Laurin closed the quarter with her second unassisted strike to cut into the deficit.
Utica opened the second quarter with a woman-up goal in the opening minute and followed with another score before Adelyn Esce (Cicero, NY) got the Hawks back on the board. Esce ignited a four-goal run for the Blue and White, as Laurin added another tally before Esce netted her second of the frame. Laurin capped the surge with her fourth goal of the game, tying the contest at 6-6. The Pioneers answered with a woman-up goal and added a late score to carry an 8-6 lead into halftime.
Coming out of the break, Utica seized control with its strongest quarter, outscoring Hartwick 6-1. Laurin recorded a woman-up goal during the stretch, but the Pioneers added three more late in the period to extend the lead to seven.
The hosts opened the fourth quarter with four unanswered goals to push the game out of reach. Laurin added her sixth goal of the afternoon, assisted by Lily Dempsey (Glenville, N.Y.), before Dempsey found the back of the net on a feed from Laurin for the final Hartwick tally, as the Hawks fell to the No. 4 seeded Pioneers in the Empire 8 quarterfinals.
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.
