ONEONTA, N.Y. – The Union College field hockey team came out strong on Wednesday night in its non-conference matchup against Hartwick College, but the visitors could not keep up the momentum as the Dutchwomen dropped a 2-1 non-conference decision to the Hawks at Wright Stadium.

Junior Emily Dawson continued her recent hot streak by scoring for the fourth time in the last four games and finishing with a team-best three shots on goal. Senior Heather Poisson did her best to keep the Dutchwomen in the game at the other end, making 10 saves.

Union came off the bus ready to play, dominating for much of the opening quarter. After withstanding a quick burst by Hartwick to start the contest, Union settled in and took control of the frame, getting a goal by Dawson at the 4:32 mark off a feed from sophomore Grace Krebs. Dawson nearly had another less than four minutes later but her shot was knocked off the line by a defender, as part of an attack that put six shots on goal in the period.

The tide turned in the second stanza, however, as Hartwick kept Union without a shot and fired 13 toward the net of Poisson. The senior stopped 3-of-4 on-target attempts, but Ashley Tricarico snuck one by early in the frame to knot the score at one headed into halftime.

The visitors again went shotless in the third quarter but the defense limited Hartwick's chances to keep the game tied. Union had several good opportunities turned aside in the fourth quarter before the Hawks staged a late offensive rally, which eventually resulted in Tricarico's second of the night with 2:30 remaining that put the home team ahead for good.

Hartwick finished the night with a 24-10 edge in shots and a 15-8 advantage in penalty corners.

Union will return home on Saturday to start Liberty League play, as the Dutchwomen welcome Ithaca College to Frank Bailey Field at Bertagna-Class of 1985 Stadium for a 1 p.m. matchup.