BIDDEFORD, ME. – The Roger Williams women's basketball team grabbed their fifth conference win on Saturday afternoon, defeating the University of New England 70-63. The matchup served as a rematch of last year's semi-final showdown, in which the Nor'easters defeated the Hawks.
 
The win in Maine this afternoon will avenge the Hawks playoff loss last season and gives them a share of first place in the conference alongside Western New England and Endicott.
 
The Hawks came out hot, jumping out to an early 16-6 lead, giving them a double-digit lead heading into the second quarter. UNE responded with a run of their own to begin the second frame, cutting the deficit to just two points with six minutes remaining in the half. Roger Williams was able to stop the bleeding and make another run, expanding to their lead back to double digits before a UNE three pointer before the half dropped the lead to seven heading into the break.
 
Out of the half Roger Williams continued to dictate the pace, controlling a double-digit lead before an 8-0 run saw their lead balloon to 17 with two minutes to play in the third. The opponent was able to cut the deficit to 11 before heading to the fourth. The Nor'easters would not go down easy, narrowing the Roger Williams lead to just four with three minutes remaining in the game, but the Hawks were able to hold them off with efficient free throw shooting down the stretch, securing the 70-63.
 
Individually, the Hawks were led by Sophia Coppola (Madison, Conn.), who tallied a game-high 20 points, chipping in seven rebounds as well. Lilli Clark (Willimantic, Conn.) added 12 rebounds of her own, good for a game high. E. Dufrane (Falls Church, Va.) continue to distribute the ball for the Hawks, racking up six assists in the victory.
 
Roger Williams (8-5, 5-1 CNE) will head back home to take on Endicott next Wednesday, Jan. 15 in a battle for first place. Following their matchup vs. the Gulls, they will travel to Gordon on Saturday, Jan. 18.