N. DARTMOUTH, Mass. – The Roger Williams University Women's Basketball team, entering the game having received votes in the WBCA National Poll, held off a late rally by UMass-Dartmouth to defeat the Corsairs 80-71 Tuesday evening.
 
Hawk Highlights
Karli Opalka: 14 points, 19 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks
Caroline Elie: 16 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Katie Galligan: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block
Sophie Araneo: 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Kendi Barnard: 8 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks
 
For The Opponents
Teja Andrews: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Jordan Moretti: 14 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal
Jemima Joseph: 11 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist
Caroline Wilson: 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
 
How It Happened
Karli Opalka (Southbury, Conn.) scored four points for Roger Williams over the team's 8-0 run to start the game. A jumper by Hannah Driscoll (Hampton, N.H.) put the Hawks up by ten with two minutes left in the opening quarter. The Hawks would take a 20-13 lead going into the second quarter.
 
The Hawks kept up their strong play in the following period, going back up by double-digits (27-17) on a three-point play by Sam Mancinelli (Peabody, Mass.). Nikki Rosa (Nahant, Mass.) later knocked down a three to put RWU up by 17, their largest lead of the game. RWU would go into halftime up 40-27 .
 
UMass-Dartmouth would mount a comeback halfway into the third quarter. Trailing 35-50, the Corsairs held the Hawks scoreless over the final five minutes of the period. Conversely, UMD scored 17 unanswered points to take a 52-50 lead going into the fourth.
 
RWU got back on track to kick off the quarter, scored ten straight points to go back up by eight. The Corsairs pulled within two, but the Hawks continued to keep UMD at bay, not allowing them to tie the game. RWU's defense was able to hold the Corsairs scoreless over the final 1:52 to come way with the win.
 
What's Next
Roger Williams (3-0): Monday, November 29 at Brandeis @ 6:00pm
Wheaton (5-2): Monday, November 29 vs, Bridgewater State @ 7:00pm