ONEONTA, NY – For the second year in a row, and the third time in the past four seasons, the Houghton Highlanders have had their season come to a close at the hands of the Hartwick Hawks, this time by a score of 3-1.
 
The Hawks took the lead only 51 seconds into the game then added another goal in the 11^th minute to take an early 2-0 lead in the first quarter. 
 
Meanwhile the Hartwick defense held the Highlanders at bay, not allowing a single shot.
 
Just over two minutes into the second quarter, however, Jace Hunzinger stole a ball and created a one-on-one with the goalie, who she deftly alluded and ripped a shot into the back of the cage, drawing the Highlanders within a goal.
 
Houghton created opportunities throughout the remainder of the half, but failed to draw closer.
 
The game would remain, 2-1, in favor of the Hawks until the 44^th minute of play, when Julie Ruzzi placed a pass from the top of the circle to the left post, where Sami Shortino tapped the ball into the goal. 
 
The Hartwick defense would remain solid, allowing only one Houghton shot throughout the second half.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: #3 Houghton – 1 | #2 Hartwick – 3
Records: #3 Houghton: 11-6 (5-2 Empire 8) | #2 Hartwick: 11-5 (6-1 Empire 8)
Venue: Wright Stadium, Hartwick College | Attendance: 178

SCORING SUMMARY

Time	Team	Description
0:51		Holly Calore Assisted By: Makenzie Kensel Tap In Left Post From Pass
10:40		Julie Ruzzi Assisted By: Sami Shortino Drive From Top Off Corner
17:16		Jace Hunzinger (9) Fast Break Up Middle, Dodge Keeper
43:44		Sami Shortino Assisted By: Julie Ruzzi Tip Into Left Post From Pass From Top Of

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton caps their season with their first back-to-back double-digit win totals since 2004-2005, and their first back-to-back postseason appearances since joining the NCAA.
 
>> The Highlanders led the Empire 8 in goals scored (67), the second-most goals in program history, trailing only the 2022 team by two goals.  Their 3.94 goals per game did, however, establish a new program record.  The team also tied the 2022 team for the most shutouts (6) in Houghton's NCAA-era.
 
>> Junior Bekah Davie led the Highlanders in goals this season (17), one shy of last year's total, and tied for the second-most in the Empire 8.  She now has 45 goals in her three-year career, second-most in Houghton history. She trails only Kelly Mazzeo, who scored 54 career goals.
 
>> Junior Jace Hunzinger led the Highlanders with 39 total points, including nine goals and 21 assists.  Hunzinger led the Empire 8 in total assists (nine more than the second-highest total) and became not only Houghton's single-season leader (breaking her own record, established in 2022), but the Highlanders all-time assist leader (51) and the Empire 8 single-season and career assist leader.  Through November 1^st (the most recent statistical update), she leads the NCAA in assists per game (1.25), her second consecutive season accomplishing the feat.    

>> Coach Hannah Ogden moved into second place on the all-time Houghton leader board for career wins.  She now has 69 career victories.
 
>> The Highlanders will graduate only one senior, midfielder Cedar Smith.  Since arriving at Houghton in the fall of 2020, Smith has started all 60 games the Highlanders have played and logged over 3,400 minutes.  She scored nine goals and collected 15 assists (33 points).