ONEONTA, NY – A huge 23-point Hartwick run over a nine and a half minute span in the second and third quarters, turned a three-point deficit into a 20-point lead as the Hawks defeated Houghton College 67-52 on Tuesday night at Lambros Arena. The game served as the Empire 8 opener for both teams. The win improves the Hawks' season record to 3-6 overall.
            The Hawks trailed 22-19 with 2:30 remaining in the second quarter before seven straight points from Taylor Vonasek (Willington, CT/E.O. Smith) and a three from Carly Johnson (Greenville, NY/Greenville Central) put 'Wick in front 29-22 at halftime. A 13-0 run spanning the first 4:25 of the second period handed the Hawks a 42-22 advantage and they never led by less than 14 points the rest of the way.
            Vonasek ended the night with a game-high 24 points. She had 15 in the crucial 'Wick run while adding a game-high five steals in the contest. Jacqui Foreman (Tolland, CT/Tolland) contributed 13 points, a team-high seven rebounds, a game-high six assists, a steal, and a block. Emily Stone (Granby, CT/Granby Memorial) contributed nine points, five assists and four steals. 
            The lead would change hands eight times in the opening half. Neither team would lead by more than three points in a tight second quarter until the Hawks jumped in front late.
            The Hartwick defense held the Highlanders to 0-for-4 shooting with six turnovers in the opening four and a half minutes of the third quarter to help pull away. They got the advantage up to 22 points before settling on a 48-28 lead heading into the fourth.
            The Highlanders trimmed the deficit to 14 points in the first three minutes of the fourth period, but nine of the next 11 points for the Hawks put the game out of reach with three minutes to play.
            The Hawks shot 36% as a team and won the rebounding battle, 39-36. Hartwick also turned 23 turnovers into 36 points in the contest. 'Wick made 18-of-24 shots from the free-throw line, led by Vonasek's 11-for-12 showing.
            Johnson closed the game with five points for the Hawks. Jessica Bellai (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) pulled down six rebounds.  
            Houghton was led by Elle Reed's 13 points. Maisie Pipher added 12 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.
            Hartwick returns to Empire 8 play on Saturday when it hosts Stevens at Lambros Arena this Saturday. The Hawks and Ducks begin play at 4 p.m.