BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Hartwick Flag Football team bounced back with a 33-18 victory over D'Youville, defeating the Saints in their final non-conference test on Saturday morning.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Hartwick 33 D'Youville 18
Location: Buffalo, N.Y. | Dobson Field
Records: Hartwick (3-2, 2-1 Empire 8) • D'Youville (0-4)
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawks geared up for an early 9 a.m. start against the D'Youville Saints on a chilly morning, looking to close out their three-game road swing with a win. Hartwick opened the scoring with a seven-play, 66-yard drive entirely on the ground. Heaven Levere (Liverpool, NY) jumpstarted the possession with an eight-yard carry before Audra Doll (Greene, NY) added a 17-yard rush. Bailey McCoy (Otego, N.Y.) followed with a six-yard gain, and Zoe Sullivan (Sidney, NY) chipped in a 17-yard run. Anne Stanavich (Amsterdam, NY) capped the drive with an 18-yard rushing touchdown.
The Saints responded with a lengthy 12-play scoring drive, but Hartwick's ground attack continued to roll. Levere opened the next possession with a nine-yard rush, and Stanavich added eight more. Sullivan and Doll followed with runs of 12 and 15 yards, respectively, before Stanavich broke free for a 24-yard touchdown. Kendra Charland (Albany, NY) converted the two-point attempt to give the Hawks a 14-6 lead after one quarter.
Hartwick's defense delivered a fourth-down stop early in the second quarter, highlighted by a pass breakup from Stanavich. The Hawks then marched downfield again as Levere broke free for an 18-yard gain to set up first-and-goal. McCoy picked up five yards before Charland crossed the plane from one yard out, extending the advantage.
D'Youville pieced together a long drive and threatened in the red zone, but Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week Ziyon Harrison (Clay, NY) stepped in front of a pass for an interception to halt the momentum. The Hawks responded with a 14-play drive, continuing their first-half surge. Charland hauled in a 13-yard touchdown reception to cap the possession, sending Hartwick into halftime with a commanding 26-6 lead.
The Hartwick defense continued to shine in the second half, stopping D'Youville on fourth-and-nine to hand the offense the ball back. The Hawks needed just seven plays to add to their lead, highlighted by 13-yard runs from Doll and Stanavich before Doll finished the drive with a rushing touchdown. Levere converted the one-point try to push the advantage to 33-6.
The Saints added a late score to trim the deficit, but Hartwick's defense held firm the rest of the way. Both teams were kept off the scoreboard in the final frame as the Hawks secured the 33-18 victory.
Hartwick piled up 293 rushing yards in the win, led by Doll with 115 yards and a touchdown. Stanavich added two rushing scores and averaged 11 yards per carry, while Charland totaled a rushing touchdown and a 13-yard receiving score. Defensively, Stanavich recorded 17 flag pulls and three pass breakups. Reese Malfetonne (Holtsville, NY) and Harrison each added six stops, with Harrison also contributing an interception and a sack.
UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS
The Hawks will return to conference play, heading to Brockport for a 4PM matchup against the Golden Eagles on Friday, April 10th.
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.
