ONEONTA, N.Y. – Houghton scored twice in a six-minute span in the second half to grab a 2-1 win over Hartwick in Empire 8 field hockey play Saturday.

The Hawks jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a penalty stroke goal in the 5th minute. Houghton had a 7-3 advantage in shots and a 7-2 edge in penalty corners in the opening half, but was unable to find the back of the net.

That would change in the 49th minute when Alyssa Strom (Tonawanda, NY, Sweet Home) took a hard shot that bounced out to Marissa Hollinger (Lancaster, PA, Manheim Township). The sophomore knocked the rebound past the Hawk goalkeeper for the equalizer.

Ashley Hughes (Fairport, NY, Fairport High School) was awarded a penalty stroke in the 55th minute and the sophomore converted the free shot to give the Highlanders the lead.

After the goal, the hosts turned up the pressure offensively, earning four shots and three penalty corners, while not allowing a shot for the Highlanders. The Hawks had three shots and two penalty corners in the final minute of the contest, but Houghton keeper Elizabeth Piszker (Glens Mills, PA, Cardinal O'Hara) made two stops and the team was credited with a save as the clock wound down.

"It was a very united effort today. The girls have made it a season goal to perform more competitively in the Empire 8, and today was a great start to achieving that," said Head Coach Hannah Zgrablich. "We were able to create several offensive opportunities from attacking out of our defensive end. We're looking forward to a week of practice to work out a few kinks and excited to continue on in conference play next Saturday."

Piszker finished with four saves to earn the win. Hughes finished with a game-high five shots.

The goals for Hollinger and Hughes were the first for each in their careers.

Houghton (3-1; 1-0 E8) hosts Stevens in another E8 contest Saturday, September 19.