BRISTOL, R.I.- The RWU women's lacrosse team battled visiting Nichols College and the bitter cold Monday in Bristol, R.I., earning an 18-3 victory in the Hawks' home opener. It marks the third-straight win for RWU.

Nichols freshman Krista-Jean Forand (Plymouth, Mass.) tallied early back-to-back goals to provide the Bison with the 2-0 lead just 3:09 into the contest. RWU responded with a nine-goal scoring streak, including three goals by both Libby Stout (Concord, Mass.) and Jillian Colley (Danbury, Conn.).

A free-position goal by freshman Annie Chen (Framingham, Mass.) at 6:34 stopped the streak, but would serve as the final goal for the Bison. Back-to-back goals by RWU sophomore Claire Halliday (Trenton, N.J.), followed by an unassisted tally by Jessie Alden (Cataumet, Mass.) finished off the half with RWU ahead 12-3.

The Hawks controlled the second half, picking up six of the seven draw controls and holding Nichols to just two shots. Hawks junior goalkeeper Amanda Magee (Columbus, N.J.) posted a total of three saves in the win. Nichols freshman Mary Michaud (Agawam, Mass.) registered 13 saves in the first 35:53, while classmate Danielle Mott (Cranston, R.I.) posted three saves and allowed five goals, including an empty-netter, in the final 24:07.

RWU sophomore Lauren Ferri (Northport, N.Y.) led RWU with four assists along with one goal, while Halliday also posted five points with three goals and two assists. Stout led RWU with four goals. Senior Jackie Criss (Westwood, Mass.) recorded three assists along with five caused turnovers.

RWU, now 3-1 overall and 1-1 in The Commonwealth Coast Conference, next travels to New England College Wednesday for a 4 p.m. game. Nichols, 1-1 and 0-1, returns to Rhode Island Wednesday, facing Salve Regina College, also at 4 p.m.