WEST HARTFORD, Conn. The Hawks played host to Conference of New England (CNE) opponent Suffolk University Saturday afternoon, where Hartford would come out on top 62-42. 
 

Rapid Recap:

• Both teams would get off to a slow start, as the first field goal would not be scored until the 6:20 mark by way of a Suffolk layup. Junior Taryn Blevins (St. Louis, Mo.) would break the fg drought for the Hawks knocking down an and-one jumper and converting on the free throw to give the Hawks a 4-2 lead. Which would remain until the 4:00 mark in the first quarter of action. After another converted and-one from junior Ava Naszimento (Secaucus, N.J.) and a transition three-pointer from junior Ella Marchesani (Saddle Brook, N.J.) the Hawks would end the first quarter up 16-9.

• Hartford would carry their first quarter momentum into the second quarter as they would extend their lead in their first offensive possession from Naszimento in the post. However, Suffolk would find their way back into the game, scoring nine unanswered points to put them within two 18-16, at the halfway mark of the second quarter. Junior Lauren Sabia (Simsbury, Conn.) would bring a spark to the Hartford offense, drawing a foul in which she would split the pair, and coming down the next possession for a layup. Following a Suffolk score, and a three pointer from freshman Allie Shenloogian ( Park Ridge, N.J.) the Hawks would end the first half with a 25-22 lead.

• Both teams would trade buckets to start the second half, as Naszimento would score in back to back possessions, and Suffolk would continue to respond, tying the game at 30 with six minutes to go. Shortly after Suffolk would take their first lead of the game 32-30, but Hartford would quickly regain the lead by way of a Marchesani trey putting the score at 33-32. Suffolk would quickly tie the game at 33 splitting one of two at the foul line, both teams would trade a score tying the game again 35-35. Naszimento would continue to dominate down low scoring back to back layups in the post and converting an and one opportunity to put the Hawks back on top 40-35. Hartford would finish the quarter strong, knocking down back to back threes from Marchesani and freshman Gabrielle Matthews (Raleigh, N.C.) and another layup for Naszimento giving them a 48-37 lead going into the fourth quarter.

• Hartford would open the fourth quarter on an 8-1 run, coming off another Naszimento layup and six straight points from Matthews including an and-one conversion, putting them ahead 38-56. The Hawks would solidify the win with back to back 3-point buckets from Marchesani, as Hartford would come out on top 62-42.

Inside the Numbers:

• Naszimento led the Hawks in scoring with 19 points (8-13FG, 3-5FT) to go along with five rebounds and two assists. Marchesani would finish with 16 points (5-10 FG, 5-7 3PT) to go along with two assists. Matthews would finish with 10 points (2-6 FG, 5-6 FG, 1-2 3PT) 

• The Hawks would end the day shooting 22-63 from the field, and 7-21 from 3PT.

• Hartford was able to capitalize on defense, causing 20 turnovers and scoring 12 points off turnovers. 

• The game would see four lead changes, and four ties throughout forty minutes of contest. 

Post Game Press:
"My teammates were giving me great passes, they made their shots when I would kick out to them, honestly it's all my teammates… It's a great win at home, especially now that we have conference games, every game starting now, so it's a great start." Nazimento said post game. 
 

The Hawks will travel to Providence to take on Johnson and Wales University, on Tuesday, Jan. 6th at 5:30PM.