Utica, N.Y. – The SUNY Poly women's soccer team dropped a 4-0 decision to Hartwick on Wednesday evening. The Wildcats fell behind early as Hartwick scored in the eighth minute before adding another goal late in the first half to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. The Hawks added two more goals in the second half to secure the victory. Skylar Blackwell made several saves in goal for SUNY Poly, including stops on shots from Elizabeth Burke, Marisol Gadziala, Ella Grupe and Sara Moore.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Hartwick opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Ella Grupe found the back of the net off an assist from Elizabeth Burke to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead.
SUNY Poly created an early scoring opportunity in the fifth minute when Yetneliz Lugo Mateo put a shot on goal, but Hartwick goalkeeper Kelsey Bollen made the save.
The Hawks continued to pressure the Wildcats throughout the opening half, with Blackwell making saves on shots from Burke and Gadziala. Burke also hit the woodwork in the 20th minute as Hartwick looked to extend its lead.
Hartwick doubled its advantage in the 39th minute when Sara Moore scored to make it 2-0 heading into halftime.
The Wildcats came out aggressively to start the second half, generating several early chances. Caitlynn Case and Katelyn Meehan each put shots on goal in the opening five minutes, but Bollen made saves on both attempts. Amelia Guarascio also recorded a shot just wide of the goal.
Hartwick extended its lead in the 59th minute when Kathryn Gross scored off an assist from Reilly Groff to make it 3-0.
Grupe nearly added another goal for the Hawks shortly afterward, hitting the woodwork in the 65th minute before Blackwell made another save on her shot moments later.
Hartwick added its fourth goal in the 68th minute when Nelle Slavitsky scored off an assist from Moore to make it 4-0.
SUNY Poly continued to compete through the final minutes, with Rylee Unebasami putting a shot on goal in the 78th minute that was saved by Bollen. Meehan also recorded a late shot for the Wildcats, while Blackwell made a final save on a shot from Moore in the closing minute.
Hartwick held on through the final whistle to secure the 4-0 victory.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats return to action on Saturday, October 3, when they travel to Alfred for a 1 p.m. matchup.
