SCHENECTADY, NY – Hartwick held a 34-31 advantage at the end of three quarters, but a 9-0 run from Union to start the fourth quarter led to a 47-41 Hawks' loss to the Dutchwomen in the season opener for both teams Wednesday night at Viniar Athletic Center in Schenectady.
Junior Carly Johnson (Greenville, NY / Greenville Central) would pace the Hawks with 15 points, which included a trio of three-pointers. Junior Caitlin Corbett (Altamont, NY / Guilderland) added eight points with a pair of threes. Freshman Kelly Pine (Hoosick Falls, NY / Hoosick Falls) scored six points and tied for a team-high with six rebounds. Nalya Hill (Bloomfield, NJ / DePaul Catholic) also registered six boards and she contributed four points.
In the second quarter, the Hawks held a 15-12 lead and they increased their margin to 10 after a layup from Hill, a three from Corbett, and a bucket from Victoria Sacramone (Bayside, NY/St. Mary's). A Johnson layup just before halftime gave 'Wick a 24-17 edge at the break.
Union rallied to tie the game at 28-all in the third quarter before a pair of Johnson free throws put Hartwick in front again. The Hawks would hold onto the lead until the 7:40 mark of the fourth quarter when the Dutchwomen took the lead for good.
Hartwick would start the final quarter going 0-for-8 from the floor until a three-pointer from Johnson with 2:35 remaining broke the cold streak and trimmed the deficit to one point, 40-39. The Hawks had a few good looks but a three from Johnson and a layup from Mary Schoenherr (Unionville, CT / Farmington) both went in and out. The Hawks missed on another look with 30 ticks remaining and Union would close out the game from the free-throw line, hitting its final seven attempts.
Union was led by Jenni Barra's 15 points. Nicole Conley contributed 11 points.
Hartwick will next play in the Brockport Tip-Off Classic on Friday and Saturday. The Hawks oppose Hamilton Friday at 5 p.m. to begin play.