BRISTOL, R.I. - The Roger Williams Women's Soccer Team netted a pair of second half goals to secure a 2-0 Senior Day victory over Salve Regina University Seahawks on Saturday afternoon at Bayside Field.
Prior to the game, the Hawks honored their ten seniors;
Maggie Hickey (Greenville, R.I.),
Sarina Olson (Bristol, R.I.),
Kiera Garrett (Pelham, N.H.),
Kelly Yadoff (Wyckoff, N.J.),
Morgan Strassburg (Longmeadow, Mass.),
Sammy Jost (Ringwood, N.J.),
Lexi Larson (Norton, Mass.),
Jordin Comstock (East Granby, Conn.),
Taryn Martel (Bellingham, Mass.), and
Morgan McCutcheon (Danbury, Conn.) for their contributions to the program. After the celebration, however, it was all business as the hosts secured the win to improve to 12-6-0.
Hawk Highlights:
Rafaella Brunetti: 1 goal, 5 shots, 3 shots on goal
Bianca Robbins: 1 goal, 5 shots, 4 shots on goal
Kelly Yadoff: 1 assist, 3 shots, 1 shot on goal
Morgan Strassburg: 4 saves, 0 goals allowed, 45:00 minutes in goal
Morgan McCutcheon: 1 save, 0 goals allowed, 45:00 minutes in goal
For The Opponents
Olivia Pickard: 3 shots, 2 shots on goal
Meagan McLaughlin: 3 shots, 1 shot on goal
Zoe Cox: 1 shot, 1 shot on goal
Georgia Drake: 10 saves, 2 goals allowed, 90:00 minutes in goal
How it Happened:
The Hawks had a competitive first half against their in-state rivals from Salve Regina; playing a full 45 minutes without a goal by either side. The strategic battle from both teams held a standstill of back-and-forth possessions the entire first half.
That all changed early in the second half as RWU sophomore
Raffaella Brunetti (North Providence, R.I.) got on the board. After a failed attempt to clear the ball from a Salve defender, Brunetti was able to get a takeaway and score from just inside the six-yard box, giving the Hawks a 1-0 in the 54
th minute.
RWU got some late insurance in the 85
th minute. Senior
Kelly Yadoff (Wyckoff, N.J.) chipped the ball across from the left side to
Leah Yucius (Duxbury, Mass.) who was on the right side of the pitch. She chipped it into the box to
Bianca Robbins (Johnston, R.I.). From there, Robbins was able to win a one-on-one situation against Salve's goalkeeper Georgia Drake (Plymouth, Mass.). For Robbins, it was her conference-best 15
th tally of the season and it helped secure the Senior Day victory.
Coach's Corner
It was always going to be a good day. We have always had a positive performance on Senior Day, on Homecoming Day, and with alumni in the house. It was a long day, but the weather cooperated and that gave us the platform to show what we are made of in front of a great crowd. The alumni game in the morning set the tone. They came to play and came to cheer on the team and the program that they are still attached to and have fond memories with. They helped motivate the team and give them an insight into what it takes to be successful.
The seniors got to finish their career as a winner this afternoon. They have all contributed to our success this year and all four years. It was definitely a team effort today from the entire squad of players. We kept up the pressure for 90 minutes and it payed dividends. We stayed focused and when the time came, took advantage of the opportunities we created.
The crowd, fans, and families were entertained and were rewarded for the spirit that was shown by the players from start to finish and until the final whistle. It is always a better weekend after a Saturday performance that results in three points.
We have made progress this season and it can be seen when you see the contributions of different players every game and every week. Looking back, we have had our ups and downs, but have all grown collectively and that is a huge positive. Lots of good memories, fun times, but the job is not over yet.
What's Next
Roger Williams (12-6-0): Tuesday, October 26 Vs Suffolk University @ 7:00 pm
Salve Regina (6-10-1): Tuesday, October 26 @ University of New England @ 4:00 pm
