Oneonta, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's lacrosse team battled throughout but ultimately fell to Hartwick by a 15–5 final on Wednesday afternoon. Despite a stronger second half and a balanced scoring effort, the Wildcats were unable to overcome an early Hawks surge. With the loss, SUNY Poly moves to 2-10 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Hartwick set the tone early, controlling possession off the draw and applying consistent pressure in the offensive zone. Rebecca Thomas was tested immediately in goal and came up with several early saves, including back-to-back stops on Abby Skurka and Jackie Owens to keep the game scoreless through the opening minutes.
The Hawks broke through at the 10:50 mark when Parker Laurin finished a feed from Adelyn Esce during a man-down situation. Hartwick quickly added another goal just seconds later from Jammie Decker, taking a 2–0 lead. After a SUNY Poly penalty, Laurin struck again on a man-up opportunity, and Esce followed with a goal of her own to stretch the lead to 4–0.
Despite a timeout from SUNY Poly, Hartwick continued to capitalize on offensive opportunities. Laurin completed a first-quarter hat trick with her third goal, pushing the score to 5–0 heading into the second period. Thomas continued to battle in net, making key saves including a free-position stop late in the quarter to prevent further damage.
The second quarter proved to be decisive, as Hartwick extended its lead with a dominant offensive stretch. Laurin and Lily Dempsey each found the back of the net early in the frame, followed by a quick strike from Jackie Owens to make it 8–0. The Hawks continued to capitalize on possession and penalties, converting multiple free-position chances and man-up opportunities.
Jammie Decker added a free-position goal during a man-up advantage, and Dempsey followed with another free-position finish to extend the lead to 11–0. Hartwick capped the half with a goal from Ashley Ament, taking a commanding 12–0 advantage into the break.
SUNY Poly broke through just before halftime, capitalizing on a man-up opportunity as Andi Walters buried a goal in the final seconds to get the Wildcats on the board at 12–1.
In the third quarter, SUNY Poly showed improved defensive structure and transition play. The Wildcats generated several successful clears and forced turnovers, with Rylie Fischer and Ava Stoby contributing key ground balls. Thomas added to her strong performance with multiple saves, including stops on Shea Holloway and Jammie Decker.
Hartwick, however, maintained control offensively. Decker opened the scoring in the second half, followed by a man-up goal from Abby Skurka and another tally from Shea Holloway to extend the lead to 15–1.
SUNY Poly responded late in the quarter, earning a free-position opportunity that Alexa Ulanday converted with under a minute remaining to make it 15–2 heading into the final period.
The Wildcats turned in their strongest stretch of the game in the fourth quarter, outscoring Hartwick 3–0. SUNY Poly generated consistent offensive pressure and created multiple quality scoring chances. Ulanday struck again early in the period on a man-up goal off a feed from Madyn LaFleur, while the Wildcats continued to force turnovers and control possession in transition.
Katelynn Truax added another goal with under three minutes remaining, and SUNY Poly continued to test Hartwick's goalkeepers with several late shots. Thomas also remained active in net, making a final free-position save in the closing seconds.
Despite the late push, Hartwick's early momentum proved too much to overcome as the Hawks secured the 15–5 victory.
