ONEONTA, NY – Hartwick Women's Soccer opened their 2026 campaign with the Battle of the Hills, drawing 2-2 against Oneonta. The result marked the fifth consecutive year the Battle of the Hills contest ended in a tie, with the Hawks and Red Dragons battling to another deadlock in the annual rivalry matchup.
Hartwick struck first just over five minutes into the contest when sophomore
Ella Grupe (Freehold, N.Y.) found the back of the net to give the Hawks an early 1-0 advantage. Grupe finished the night with two shots, including two on target. Hartwick carried its one-goal lead into half-time despite Oneonta putting six shots toward the net in the opening half.
The Red Dragons pulled even early in the second half with a 54
th minute goal. Hartwick responded just over two minutes later, as freshman forward
Elizabeth Burke (Latham, N.Y.) put the Hawks back in front with her first collegiate goal.
Hartwick maintained its 2-1 advantage before Oneonta was awarded a penalty kick following a Hartwick yellow card. The Red Dragons converted from the spot in the 75
th minute, leveling the match 2-2. The Hawks held off the Red Dragons through the final fifteen minutes to secure a season opening draw.
Freshman keeper
Kelsey Bollen (Wappingers Falls, N.Y.) made three saves in goal for the Hawks including two in the first and one in the second. Offensively, Hartwick recorded four shots with three on frame.
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
