Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's basketball team defeated the Hartwick Hawks 66-56. Hannah Shipley led the Wildcats with 14 points, while Sanaa Lee contributed 11 rebounds and four blocks. The Wildcats improve to 4-18 on the season.

How It Happened: 

Hartwick came out strong, taking an early 4-1 lead with baskets from Emma Cohen and Niamh Kelly. SUNY Poly struggled early, missing several layups, but stayed within reach. Despite missed opportunities, including layups by Sanaa Lee and Alysa Jackson, the Wildcats' defense, led by Faith Wagner and Alivia Turk, kept them in the game. Hartwick extended their lead with back-to-back threes from Yadira Smith and Syd Delisle, but SUNY Poly responded. A layup by Turk and a three from Kate Donnelly kept the Wildcats within striking distance, with Hartwick leading 18-9 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, SUNY Poly fought to stay in the game, though Hartwick maintained their lead. Sanaa Lee cut the deficit to 20-11 with a jumper, and continued to score, keeping the Wildcats within reach. Despite key contributions from Hartwick's Smith and Kelly, SUNY Poly's defense remained active, including a block from Wagner. Hartwick led 31-26 at halftime.

The third quarter saw both teams exchange leads. Alysa Jackson capitalized on a steal and converted a layup, pulling the Wildcats to within three points. A fastbreak layup by Jackson gave the Wildcats a 33-32 lead. Both teams struggled to convert, but Hartwick regained the lead with free throws from Kylie Guarino and a jumper from Daniella DeBiase. Jackson answered with a three-pointer, but Hartwick finished the quarter ahead 40-38.

The game remained tight in the fourth quarter, with both teams exchanging baskets. Faith Wagner's free throws briefly gave SUNY Poly a one-point lead, but Hartwick answered with a jumper from Delisle. Jackson and Shipley then led the Wildcats on a run, with Jackson scoring fastbreak layups and Shipley adding points from the line. SUNY Poly extended their lead to 55-46. Despite a couple of threes from Hartwick's Macy Durkin, the Wildcats held their ground.

SUNY Poly closed out the game with strong free-throw shooting from Jackson and Shipley, securing the 66-56 victory.