WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - With a spot in the America East Championship still up for grabs, the Hartford women's soccer team closes out its home schedule on Thursday evening when it hosts the UMBC Retrievers. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at Al-Marzook Field at Alumni Stadium.

The game will be preceded by a Senior Night ceremony, where the Hawks will honor their three graduating seniors, Michelle Babin, Ashley Michaud and Karen Ray.

A fourth senior, Mary Beth Hamilton, is redshirting after suffering a leg injury five matches into this season, and will return for the 2011 season.

A Shelton, Conn. native, Babin has been a key contributor for the Hawks for the past four seasons. A two-time America East Commissioner's Honor Roll honoree for achieving a grade-point average of 3.5 or better, Babin has two career assists and netted her first career goal earlier this season against Saint Joseph's. Babin is majoring in communications.

Michaud joined the Hawks as a walk-on in 2009, and has seen action in three games over the past two seasons. Nevertheless, the Gorham, Maine native has made an impact with her work ethic in practice and her demeanor on and off the field. Michaud has also excelled in the classroom, earning recognition on the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll last season. Michaud is majoring in architectural engineering.

Ray arrived on campus in time for her junior season in 2009, transferring from Central Connecticut. After starting the first three games last season, Ray suffered a season-ending knee injury. Despite continued nagging injuries, Ray has persevered and made two appearances this season. She has also proven to be a leader off the field, encouraging and instructing teammates from the sidelines when she could not get in. Ray, a native of Kent, England, is majoring in health sciences.

Aside from the nostalgia of Senior Night, the Hawks will have to get down to business, as they are still looking to lock up a spot in the America East Championship. Hartford is currently sitting in sixth place, good for the final seed in the tournament. They lead Binghamton by a point, and trail Maine by one for fifth place. The Hawks face UMBC, currently tied for tenth place in the conference, before traveling to second-place New Hampshire to close out the season. Binghamton, meanwhile, hosts New Hampshire before traveling to fourth-place Stony Brook. Maine, meanwhile, hosts Stony Brook before closing its season at first-place Boston University.

Tickets for Thursday's match are still available, and can be purchased by calling 860-768-HAWK, or by visiting the Malcolm and Brenda Berman Athletics Box Office at the Reich Family Pavilion. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate on Thursday evening.