ONEONTA, NY – A header goal from freshman Casey Boucher (Northbridge, MA/Northbridge) deep into the first half was all the scoring Hartwick would need as the Hawks came away with a 1-0 shutout win over Alfred University Saturday on Elmore Field. Hartwick (5-2-1) remains in second place in the Empire 8 Conference at 2-0-1 behind only nationally ranked Ithaca.
            Hartwick held a sizeable advantage in shots for the match, out-shooting the Saxons 23-6. This included an 11-1 margin in the second half when the Hawks already held the lead.
            The game’s lone goal came off a corner kick for the Hawks, one of nine on the day. Kylie Thayer (Ithaca, NY/Ithaca) served the ball from the left corner where Boucher was waiting inside the six-yard box. Her near-post header left AU keeper Sammy Jo Shanahan no chance and the Hawks were in front. It marked Boucher’s team-leading fifth goal of the season and Thayer’s team-best fourth assist.
            Hartwick had additional chances in both the first and second half. Shanahan was strong in both halves to keep the margin at one goal, finishing with a total of 11 saves.
            Cami Cleaveland (Oneonta, NY/Oneonta) had four shots on target which were handled by Shanahan. Boucher and Allie Ricci (Millstone, NJ/Saint John Vianney) each registered two shots on target.
            Hartwick keeper Alley Maurer (Jackson, NJ/Old Bridge) was called upon to make three saves on the day. She was active throughout the contest making plays which didn’t show up on the score sheet. Maurer punched away several services into the box and also came out to stuff Patricia Banahene on a breakaway in the first half. The clean sheet was the first for Maurer at ’Wick.
            Hartwick stays in Empire 8 Conference play and remains at home for its next game. The Hawks host Houghton on Wednesday, October 1 at 7 p.m.