SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Roger Williams University men's lacrosse team dropped their Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Semifinal match at No. 2 Western New England, 16-11, at Golden Bear Stadium.
 
Roger Williams was out shot 47-29 in the matchup with the Hawks' seeing Aaron D'Aversa making 12 saves. The Hawks had 22 turnovers, while the Golden Bears had 15 with WNE holding a 42-23 edge in ground balls.
 
Brian Gazard led with three goals and three assists, while Matt Halpin added a pair of goals with an assist. Kevin Murphy, Matt Hemmert, and Riley Spellman each added a pair of goals, with Eric Brooks and Matthew Araneo adding an assist.
 
Tyler Zanini added three caused turnovers, and three ground balls to lead the team alongside Kyle Zirn.
 
WNE jumped out to a 2-0 lead with goals by TJ Dalicandro and Zachary Meind, but Gazard tallied his first goal with 7:11 remaining in the first quarter. The Golden Bears then rattled off three straight goals, before Halpin tallied a goal with 1:09 remaining in the opening frame.
 
Dylan Hanley had a goal 1:08 into the second quarter, taking an 6-2. Murphy added a goal to cut the lead to three, before Jack Houlden added one, retaking a four goal lead by the Golden Bears. The Hawks then scored three straight to cut the lead to one. Western New England added a pair ot take a 9-6 lead.
 
After both teams added pair of goals in the third. Western New Engalnd took control in the fouth. After the Hawks cut the deficit to two with 8:38 remaining, but the Golden Bears rattled off three straight to take command, to take a five goal lead. Gazard added a second with 2:48 remaining before Jacob Roy capped off scoring taking the win.
 
Roger Williams (13-6, 5-2 CCC) finished their first double digit win season since the 2019 season, and first 13 win season since 2015.