Pierce, the two-time reigning Empire 8 Swimmer of the Year, helped lead the Hawks to a dominating win in the season-opening Hartwick relays defeating their next closest opponent by 110 points on Sunday. Pierce played a major role in the win that saw Hartwick take first place in the 300-yard breaststroke relay, the 850-yard crescendo relay, 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays.