Box Score DARTMOUTH, Mass. – A quick start by the Hawks proved to be too much for UMass Dartmouth, as Hartwick prevailed 48-41 in the first-ever meeting between the two programs in the Corsairs' home opener on Saturday evening at Cressy Field.
The Basics
Score: Hartwick 48, UMass Dartmouth 41
Records: UMass Dartmouth 1-1 | Hartwick 1-1
How it Happened
Hartwick used two first-quarter rushing touchdowns from senior Tito Pichardo (Washingtonville, N.Y.) to jump out to an early 14-6 lead in the opening quarter. The Hawks added another touchdown midway through the second, but a 42-yard run by Corsair junior Eddie Sheridan (Chelmsford, Mass.) was enough to bring the Corsairs back within 10 at half.
The last two periods were a scoring frenzy, with the Corsairs not quite able to gain back all of the lost ground from the opening stanza. Hartwick turned a Matt Lowe (Stoneham, Mass.) interception into a quick return, forcing a fumble on the next play for a 10-yard hustle into the end zone.
UMass Dartmouth had a response for every Hawk attack in the fourth, pounding the ball with the rushing game and breaking through to keep within shouting distance. Senior Michael Slaughter, Jr. (Springfield, Mass.) rolled up a 40-yard touchdown run to kick off the fourth quarter, and senior quarterback Cory Burnham (Essex, Mass.) scrambled for a two-point conversion after to bring the game back within 10.
Pichardo's night wasn't done, as the running back tacked on two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter. With less than two minutes remaining and the score at 48-34 in favor of the Hawks, Burnham drove the Corsairs 71 yards, finding John Beardsley (Essex, Mass.) for an 11-yard touchdown pass, but the Hawks burned out the clock on the last drive to hold on.
Inside the Numbers
- Junior Eddie Sheridan (Chelmsford, Mass.) led the way for the Corsairs' ground assault, plowing through the Hawks defense for 126 yards including his touchdown dash.
- Senior Stephen Roy (Northborough, Mass.) tied his career-high for all-purpose yards with 244. Roy set this personal best last season at Westfield State.
- Sophomore Abbi Bamgbose (Worcester, Mass.) hauled in nine receptions for 114 yards. Saturday marks the second time Bamgbose has surpassed 100 receiving yards, as he previously eclipsed 200 yards when the Corsairs visited Westfield State last year in the 48-41 shootout win.
- The Corsairs' defensive was led by junior Tony Slaughter (Springfield, Mass.) who collected 11 solo tackles, three assisted tackles and one pass breakup.
- Junior Micah Gregory (Centerville, Mass.) and sophomore Johnny Mims (Dorchester, Mass.) both recorded their first career touchdowns for UMass Dartmouth.
- Burnham completed 65 percent of his passes on the night (20-for-31) for 215 yards and two touchdowns.
Up Next
UMass Dartmouth will open up MASCAC play next week, playing host to Westfield State on Sept. 17 with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m.
