HAMBURG, N.Y. - Hilbert College dropped a tight road contest on Saturday afternoon, falling 12-10 to Elmira College at Campus Field.

The Hawks (1-4) came out strong in the opening quarter, scoring four of the game's first five goals. Eric Capling and Kristopher Newman each found the back of the net early before Aidan Franko added a pair, including a man-up goal off a feed from Ty Franko, to give Hilbert a 4-1 advantage late in the first.

Elmira (2-3) responded quickly, closing the opening quarter with three unanswered goals to even the score at 4-4 early in the second. The Soaring Eagles continued to apply pressure, taking a 7-5 lead midway through the second quarter before Nathaniel Dell scored off another Ty Franko assist to cut the deficit to one heading into halftime.

Hilbert regained momentum in the third quarter, as Newman scored twice in just over a minute to give the Hawks an 8-7 lead. After Elmira answered, Ty Franko converted on a man-up opportunity to put Hilbert back in front, 9-8. However, Elmira closed the quarter on a 3-0 run, including a late goal with six seconds remaining, to take an 11-9 lead into the final frame.

Newman completed his four-goal performance early in the fourth quarter with a man-up tally to bring Hilbert within one, but that would be as close as the Hawks would get. Elmira added an insurance goal midway through the quarter and held off Hilbert down the stretch to secure the 12-10 victory.

Newman led the Hawks with four goals, while Capling and Aidan Franko each added two. Ty Franko contributed a goal and three assists in the loss.

David Bolin recorded a team-high three ground balls while Hunter Cleary led with two caused turnovers.

Kody Moore took the loss in net making nine saves over the final 30-minutes of action.

Elmira was paced by Austin Jerzak's five goals, while Corbin Melie and John McLachlan added three goals apiece.

Hilbert will look to bounce back in its first Heartland Lacrosse Collegiate League game next week.  The Hawks will travel to Pittsburgh for their meeting at La Roche University April 1 with a 1 pm face off.