BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Women's Basketball team dropped a non-conference matchup to Suffolk University Tuesday afternoon, falling 56-62 in a close game.

Roger Williams only trailed by single digits throughout the entire second half but was unable to overcome the deficit and break through with the win.

Roger Williams held a brief 2-0 lead on a jumper by Alexandria Lanieri (Port Jefferson, N.Y.). Yet a pair of free throws by Jennifer Ruys (Wallingford, Conn.) and a layup by Tori Brillaud (North Andover, Mass.) gave Suffolk the lead, and the Rams would not give it up.

From that point forward, the Hawk deficit would hover between two and nine throughout the course of the contest. Roger Williams pulled within two in the second half, with Elizabeth Kilzi (Waverly, Pa.) twice knocking down a trey to get the Hawks within a pair at 40-42 and 49-51.

With under two minutes to play, RWU was able to get within two one more time, with Lanieri laying in a basket to make it a 53-55 game. Yet timely free throw shooting by Suffolk helped close out the game, as the Rams hit seven of their final eight freebies to ice the game.

Free throw shooting helped keep Suffolk maintain its advantage throughout the night, with the Rams connected on their first 16 free throws and finishing the game 23-of-25 (92.0%) at the line.

Ruys led all scorers with 20 points including a perfect 14-of-14 mark at the free throw line. Iliani Quadri (Sudbury, Mass.) finished with 13 points and four steals for Suffolkd, while Jacqueline Vienneau (Salem, N.H.) had 12 points and three steals.

Lanieri led the Hawks with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Kilzi finished with 12 points on the night, with Angelica Ariola (Prospect, Conn.) scoring 11 with four boards. Lisa Lutz (Downers Grove, Ill.) added five points and six assists.

Roger Williams (2-1) travels to Eastern Nazarene College next Wednesday for a 5:00 p.m. game, while Suffolk hosts Curry next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.