BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – An early second-half goal helped lead the visiting Roger Williams University Women's Soccer team to a 1-0 non-conference victory over host Bridgewater State University on Thursday night at Swenson Field.

Roger Williams improves to 4-3-1 on the season with the win, while Bridgewater evens its' 2012 record at 5-5-1.  The Bears have lost three straight games and five of their last seven.

Junior forward Hannah Noel (Adams, Mass.) scored the game's only goal in the 48th minute of play. Sophomore midfielder Kristen Tetreault (Tolland, Conn.) assisted on the game-winner as she slid a crossing pass inside the 18.  A Bridgewater defender had a chance to intercept the pass but fanned on the kick.  The ball found its way to the foot of Noel who beat the BSU keeper with a shot inside the left post.

The Hawks limited the Bridgewater to just two shots on goal in the second half and would keep the Bears off the scoreboard the rest of the way.  Both teams rang the crossbar in the second half.  BSU senior defender Melanie Thomson (Abington, Mass.) curled a corner kick off the bar in the 77th minute.  Roger Williams freshman midfielder Devon Wolfenden (East Longmeadow, Mass.) struck the cross bar with a shot from the right side in the 82nd minute.

RWU junior goaltender Stephanie Jacques (Burlington, Vt.) turned aside five shots to record her second shutout of the season.  BSU senior keeper Kristen Rowe (Burlington, Mass.) got the start in net for the Bears and did not allow a goal.  Rowe played the entire first half and the final 3:39 of the second stanza but did not figure in the decision.  Junior Kerry Condon (Whitman, Mass.) made three saves as she came on to start the second half.

Bridgewater held a slight 12-10 shot advantage for the game, while corner kick attempts were even at four apiece.

“It was an important game to win for lots of reasons,” said Head Coach Tim Moody. “We started the game very well. We controlled the ball, the tempo was high, and we were moving it to the right areas. We were very happy with the intensity of the first twenty minutes. We didn't get the goal we needed for all the possession we had, despite getting into dangerous positions.

“Bridgewater State then came more into the game and tested our defensive skills. We had to remain strong and stay disciplined. We did, and they couldn't take advantage of their opportunities. Nil, nil was a fair score at half time. We had the ball in the final third but didn't have the killer pass or good look at the goal that was needed.

“At halftime we talked about a few things we should focus on and how that could make or affect the outcome of the game. It was good to see things carry over from practice and put into game situations. We had several players unavailable for the game tonight but our starting unit was looking good in all areas.

“We started well again from kickoff and with great work down the left, Tate was able to beat her player and get a cross into the 18-yard box which would find Hannah. She had an awesome first touch to set herself up, and she calmly buried it into the far post, bottom corner with authority. It was a textbook finish. That stunned them for a while, and we could easily have gone up by three goals in the next ten minutes. Devon has hit the post and has had another productive performance. We have been dangerous on set pieces too, but they defended well.

“Luckily we didn't need to score again and Hannah's goal was enough. We were very solid all over the park and everyone contributed to the win. We played very smart over the last 15 minutes, controlling the ball, the tempo, and what we were trying to do, to achieve the win. It was a team effort tonight and it was great to see the team growing every time we play. We are a much better team today than we were in our first game against Wheaton.

“It is important that we keep moving forward and take this enthusiasm into our next game on Saturday against our conference rival Wentworth. We want to get another three points and stay top of the table.”

In upcoming action, Bridgewater hosts MASCAC rival Salem State University on Saturday at noon, while Roger Williams entertains Commonwealth Coast Conference foe Wentworth at 3:30.

 - Release courtesy of the Sports Information Department