HAMBURG, N.Y. – The Hilbert College men's soccer team survived the day, on so many levels. 

The Hawks (2-4) jumped out of the gate and built an early lead but not only had to out-work Saint Vincent College down the stretch, but stay ahead of the weather Mother Nature was blowing into Western New York.

"Our players should feel good about the way they started the game with intensity forcing the pace of the match," said coach Selim Talbi.  "Our staff is pleased with the teamwork and work-rate our guys displayed today." 

Matthew Barth lifted Hilbert to a 1-0 lead just 31-seconds into the game.  That margin was extended almost five minutes later when Daniel Pulaski served a high ball to the back of the frame and Wade Bergum headed it home in the 4th minute.

Pulaski padded Hilbert's lead when he un-leased a rocket from about 40 yards out; the ball blasted past the unexpected goalie for the 3-0 score. 

Just before the break, Saint Vincent's Nick Bianchi snuck a header past Ryan Valentine for a 3-1 score.

By intermission, St. Vincent held a 15-11 advantage in shots with Ryan Valentine making six saves.

After the break, with the weather still in good favor, the Bearcats picked up their effort and pushed back.

The visitors rallied with an 11-3 advantage in shots and worked for 5 corner kicks while the Hawks attempted none in the last 45 minutes.

With about 10 minutes left in the game, the dark clouds rolled in and it was a fight against time.  Saint Vincent found the back of the net in the 81st minute and were attacking on offense when the referee halted the game for lightening and both teams headed to safety with just under seven minutes on the game clock. 

After a short break, both teams returned to the field with energy; Hilbert parked the bus defensively in an effort to limit the Bearcats aggression and St. Vincent took every chance they could to get a shot off.  Darkness took over the field again as storm clouds floated downward toward the players on the field just as the final horn sounded.

"We played a tough team today and Saint Vincent did a nice job at the end of the game making a run.  We will continue to use these games as building blocks for the league portion of our schedule which starts next weekend," closed coach Talbi.

The Hawks will host Franciscan University (3-2-1) in a 3:15pm contest during the True Blue Weekend in Saturday, the 24th.