BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Women's Basketball team were edged by a second half run by Rhode Island College as the Hawks fell 62-68 Tuesday evening.

 

The game opened in the Hawks' favor with a three pointer by Jackie Criss (Westwood, Mass.) and a steal and layup by Jennifer Youngquist (Sandwich, Mass.) on the ensuing inbound, giving RWU an early 5-0 lead. The Hawks extended the lead to 14-2 and maintained control early, before the Anchorwomen responded with a 16-5 run to pull within one. RIC would not come closer in the half, trailing by four going into the second frame.

 

The first ten minutes of the second half saw both teams fighting back and forth at a frantic pace, highlighted by six ties and seven lead changes. When the dust settled, RIC's Jennifer Knott (Narragansett, R.I.) knocked down a free throw to break a 48-48 tie. That free throw sparked a 7-0 run to put the Anchorwomen up 55-48 with 5:58 to play.

 

The Hawks cut the deficit to four at the 2:15 mark, giving themselves an opportunity to regain the lead. Both teams were held scoreless over the next 1:40, keeping the score at 56-60. RIC maintained the lead by sinking eight straight free throws over the final 35 seconds to secure the victory.

 

Youngquist finished with a season-high 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists for the Hawks, while Heather Babin (Danvers, Mass.) had a team high 11 points with seven rebounds and three blocks. Caitlin McNabb (Springfield, Mass.) contributed 10 points off the bench.

 

Michelle McNamee (Cranston, R.I.) led all scorers with 20 points in only 29 minutes off the bench. Sarah Coughlin (North Attleboro, Mass.) finished with six points and a game-high ten assists.

 

Roger Williams (4-5) will take on down-the-road rival Salve Regina University Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in a non-conference meeting. Rhode Island College (7-4) will face Plymouth State University on the road Saturday afternoon at noon.