PLATTSBURGH, NY – Hawk Volleyball split their tri-match at the Cardinal Classic on Saturday, falling 3-1 to Plattsburgh, and winning 3-1 over Russell Sage.
Game 1 vs. Plattsburgh
Hartwick came out strong in their opening set, building leads of 10-8,13-12 and 17-13 before the Cardinals answered with a late push. Plattsburgh closed the frame on a run to take the first set 25-21.
The Hawks responded immediately in the second set, using a strong middle stretch to turn a close game into a 20-13 advantage. Hartwick maintained their lead through the finish, evening the match 25-21 in the Blue and White's favor.
With the match tied at one set each, the Hawks remained within striking distance throughout the third. The teams battled to a 16-16 tie before Plattsburgh created some separation to take the set, again with a final of 25-21. Hartwick looked to extend the match in the fourth, but the Cardinals gained control after a 7-7 tie. Plattsburgh opened an 18-9 advantage and went on to close out the final set at 25-13.
Sophia Palladino (Owego, N.Y.) paced the Hawks offensively with 10 kills, while
Isabella Gracias (Oneonta, N.Y.) added seven and
Lucille Walker (Ithaca, N.Y.) five.
Thylia Keoviengsamay (Rome, N.Y.) directed the Hartwick offense with 27 assists, adding 15 digs. Palladino contributed 12 digs, while
Maya Lesinski (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) recorded seven kills and 13 digs.
Malia Dake (South Glens Falls, N.Y.) finished with 13 digs as well, contributing to the Hawks' 63 digs in the match.
Game 2 vs. Russell Sage
The Sage Gators came out strong in the opening set, jumping out to a 7-0 lead before Hartwick settled in. The Hawks worked their way back to tie 16-16, before taking a 21-17 advantage. Sage responded with 8 of the final ten points, securing the first set with a 25-23 win over the Hawks.
The second set remained tight throughout, with neither team able to create a large deficit. Hartwick held a 14-13 lead before Sage answered with a three-point run, but the Hawks battled back to move ahead 23-20. The Gators equalized at 24-24, but two straight points put Wick up 1-1 with a 26-24 win of the second set.
Hartwick carried their momentum into the third set, opening with a 3-0 lead before Sage briefly evened the score. The Hawks regained control after a 12-12 tie, putting together a 9-point run to take a 21-12 advantage. Sage was unable to respond, giving Hartwick the 25-18 win.
The Hawks and Gators traded points early in the fourth set, with Sage holding onto a 7-4 lead before Hartwick rallied to tie the set 9-9. Wick began to take control, building a 15-11 advantage, later extending their lead 23-15. Sage fought back to try to push into a fifth set with a close 23-24 set, but a
Samantha Garback (Tully, N.Y.) kill secured Hartwick's 3-1 win.
Lucille Walker hit a match-high 23 kills, hitting a .425, adding 4 service aces and 3 blocks for 28.5 total points.
Isabella Gracias contributed 13 kills on a .306 hitting percentage, while Garback added six kills and two blocks.
Thylia Keoviengsamay (Rome, N.Y.) ran the offense with 46 assists and four kills, while contributing defensively with 10 digs and two blocks.
Sophia Palladino knocked down seven kills and recorded a team-high 17 digs, while
Malia Dake recorded nine digs and two service aces.
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.
