SCHENECTADY, NY – The Union College Dutchwomen outlasted the Hartwick Hawks this evening, 47-41, in its 2017-18 season opener.

Union got off to a slow start, as the Hawks would control the momentum for a large majority of the game. The Dutchwomen did not have a lead over the Hawks until the end of the game.

Hartwick looked to close out the first round of 10 minutes with a two-point lead. However, Sophie Borg would knock in a layup to settle the score at 10 apiece, with just six seconds to go.

The Dutch fell behind quickly in the second quarter, and eventually found themselves looking at a 10-point deficit, with less than two minutes to go in the first half. Jenni Barra would drain a three-pointer with 14 seconds left to help rally the Dutchwomen heading into the break. Union headed into halftime trailing the Hawks, 17-24.

Union's offense kicked things into high gear during the third quarter, and would shoot their game best quarter, making five of 16 shots for a 31.3 field goal percentage. With just under five minutes to go in the third, the Dutch pulled within one point of the Hawks. Nicole Conley banked in a layup and was fouled on her way up. Conley sank the and-one basket to bring Union to 31 points for the end of the third and trailing Hartwick by just three points.

Three minutes into the fourth quarter, first year Corina Lindsay made a beautiful three-point shot, that would ultimately give the Dutch its first lead of the night at 36-34. The Dutchwomen remained in control and pulled away by six points with just 3:52 to go. Hartwick relentlessly battled back and pulled within one point at 40-39, but a Union timeout at the 2:24 mark would help settle the Dutchwomen. Repeated Hartwick fouls would bring Union to the line several times and ultimately help solidify their victory, 47-41 over the Hawks.

The Dutchwomen drained 13 of 17 free throw attempts that would prove to be crucial in the last five minutes of the game.

Union returns to action Nov. 25 at 4 p.m. against St. John Fisher College.