HAMBURG, N.Y. – The Hilbert College women's basketball team earned a hard fought 53-49 non-conference victory over Elmira College in the Harner Recreation Center this afternoon.

Prior to the start of the 2pm game, the athletics department and Hilbert fans joined in the 2017-18 AMCC Championships Banner Unveiling.  Amy Senefelder was also recognized and presented with her 2017-18 Hilbert College Sal Buscaglia Coach of the Year plaque.

After Elmira took a 5-2 early lead, the Hawks controlled the pace of the game and outscored the Soaring Eagles 10-6 in the first quarter.  Hilbert held a two-point advantage at half time (25-23) and never trailed in the second half.

Senior forward Katelyn Proy was three blocks away from posting a triple double after she scored 10 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and finished with seven blocks, four in the first half.

Junior guard Demi Battin and Proy led with four assists each while Battin tossed in 14 points (2-of-3 from deep). 

The Hawks got a big lift from junior guard Alayna DeFazio who came off the bench and hit two important jumpers in nine minutes of action, and junior forward Natassia West's late-in-the-game free throw gave Hilbert the separation they needed for the win.

Junior forward Ashley Repine hit 5-of-8 from the floor but foul trouble kept her on the bench for 18 minutes.  Junior guards Taylor Corts and Emily Gawlak combined for 10 points but they hustled to 12 rebounds, three assists, five blocks and three steals on the defensive end.

Hilbert finished the game hitting 34.6 percent from the floor yet only sank 3-of-15 beyond the arc.  Their 12 team blocks and late-game consistency at the foul line helped them pull out the victory.

Elmira shot 26 percent from the floor and made only 13-of-23 free throws.  The Soaring Eagles were led offensively by Lindsey Heaton's 17 points and Rachel Vespucci's 16 rebounds.

Hilbert (1-1) returns to action at Thiel College November 13 in a 7pm tip.  Fans can follow the game via LIVE STATS.

Be sure to stay up-to-date on all your Hilbert Hawk scores and awards by following @HilbertAthletic on Twitter and by liking the "Hilbert College Athletics" Facebook page.  Additionally, fans of the Hawks who have an Apple device can receive push notification from the newly created Hilbert College Hawks iOS SIDEARM mobile App which can be found in the Apple Store and ITunes.