Utica, NY (September 23, 2014) – The Utica College women's tennis team is set to host back-to-back Empire 8 matches this week against Hartwick and Ithaca Colleges in Utica.  The Pioneers will welcome the Hartwick Hawks to town on Wednesday for a 4 p.m. twilight match before hosting the Bombers of Ithaca on Saturday for a 1 p.m. set start.  Both contests will take place at the friendly confines of the Utica College Tennis Courts. 

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UC Falling Upon Hard Times

The Pioneers have fallen upon a hard stretch to open up 2014 and are still in the hunt for its first win.  UC is 0-7 overall including a 0-4 mark in the Empire 8 and have another two solid conference rivals to face.  Utica has been shut out four times this fall of which three were in E8 play. The Pioneers recorded two points against Wells College and one apiece versus Sage and Fisher this past week.

Scouting the Hawks

Hartwick currently holds a 3-4 overall record including a 2-4 ledger in Empire 8 action.  "Wick" has lost four out of five, all in conference.  The Hawks dropped back-to-back matches recently to Nazareth and Elmira, both by scores of 8-1.  Hartwick beat Houghton, 7-2, and St John Fisher, 6-3, for its two wins in the conference.

The Bomber Report

Ithaca, presently undefeated, holds a 5-0 record on the season along with a 4-0 mark in the Empire 8. The Bombers have shut out Alfred and Houghton while beating Naz, 8-1, and Elmira, 7-2.

Empire 8 Standings

Stevens (7-0 overall) sits in first atop the standings with an undefeated mark of 6-0 while Ithaca (5-0 overall) trails in second place also perfect at 4-0. Elmira (5-1 overall) holds third place with a 4-1 mark while Alfred (3-4 overall) rounds out the top four with a 3-2 ledger.

Back in Action

Following its two match home stand this week, UC hits the road for a pair next week against Alfred University and Hamilton College.  Utica travels down to Alfred on Saturday for a 1 p.m. match versus the Saxons before heading across town to face the Hamilton Continentals on Sunday morning at 10 a.m.