ELMIRA —The Elmira College women's soccer team battled throughout Wednesday afternoon's Empire 8 matchup against Hartwick College at Campus Field, but a late second-half goal proved to be the difference as the Soaring Eagles fell 1-0.


Elmira recorded eight shots, including three on goal, while earning three corner kicks in the second half. Bella Thomas and Dani Cruz each put a shot on target, while Isabella Reuter also tested the Hartwick goalkeeper. In goal, Sarah Cantrell made one save for the Soaring Eagles.

Elmira looked to establish its offense early, with Thomas putting a shot on target in the 14th minute. Cruz followed with an attempt in the 22nd minute, but Hartwick's goalkeeper turned it away. 

Cantrell also came up with a save in the 19th minute to keep the match scoreless.

The teams remained deadlocked through the first half, with Elmira looking to create opportunities after the break. The Soaring Eagles earned three corner kicks in the second half and continued to push forward, including a shot by Reuter in the 67th minute that was saved.

Hartwick broke through in the 79th minute, scoring the lone goal of the afternoon. Elmira continued to search for an equalizer in the closing minutes, earning another corner kick and putting together late attacking chances, but the Soaring Eagles were unable to find the back of the net.

Elmira returns to action on Saturday, October 17, when the Soaring Eagles travel to SUNY Geneseo for another E8 showdown. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m.