BRISTOL, R.I. – The number one seed Roger Williams University Women's Basketball team took down the eighth-seeded Nichols Bison by way of commanding 82-30 in the quarterfinal round of the CCC Tournament.
 
Hawk Highlights
Karli Opalka: 10 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 steal
Kendi Barnard: 7 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 1 steal
Caroline Elie: 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Sam Mancinelli: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 2 steals
Nikki Rosa: 7 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks
 
For The Opponents
Abrianna Vazquez: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
Summer Klein: 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block
Leandra Ortiz: 5 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block, 2 steals
Jillian Spillane: 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
 
How It Happened
The Hawks maintained their regular season dominance over the Bison, jumping out to a 16-0 lead before surrendering a layup with just two and a half minutes left in the quarter. A strong block from senior Emily Yonych (Cheshire, Conn.) as time expired helped RWU maintain their 15-point lead going into the second quarter. The Hawks also added in 17 rebounds and six blocks during the first 10 minutes of action.
 
Opening up the second quarter, Roger Williams stayed the course, continuing their dominance on both ends of the floor by outscoring Nichols by 20 in the quarter and outrebounding the Bison 16-4. All-CCC First Teamer Karli Opalka (Southbury, Conn.) was a star for the Hawks, notching a first-half double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, six of which came on the offensive end.
 
The third quarter was more of the same as the Hawks continued their commanding performance with multiple CCC award winners doing their part to expand their lead. In addition to Opalka's performance, fellow All-CCC First Teamer Katie Galligan (Pembroke, Mass.) added in four points, and four rebounds. All-CCC Third Teamer and CCC Scholar Athlete of the Year Sam Mancinelli (Peabody, Mass.) also added in two three pointers helping RWU outscore Nichols 21-8.
 
The final frame saw the Hawks get more of their bench involved in the action, and helped lead the top seeded Hawks to their largest lead of the night with seven and a half minutes left in the quarter. Just before the midway point in the quarter, Reese Codero (Whitman, Mass.) stole an inbounds pass and rolled in the layup, and then minutes later drilled a three from the corner. Kay Reen (Norwood, Mass.) also added in two steals to help seal the victory for the Hawks.
 
What's Next
Roger Williams (23-2): Thursday, February 24 vs. Gordon @ 6:00pm (CCC Semifinals)
Nichols (10-17): Season Complete