HARTFORD, CONN. – The Roger Williams women's basketball team fell to Hartford 68-63 on Wednesday evening, moving them to 7-2 in Conference of New England play.
 
The Hawks loss was certainly a disappointing one, as they led for 36 of the 40 minutes of play, before a late Hartford run saw them fall by four points. Roger Williams led by as many as 14 in the second half.   
 
The Hawks were able to jump out to an 11-3 lead against the opponent and finished the first quarter holding a 15-7 lead. Their lead was largely due in part to their 6-2 turnover margin differential in the frame. The Hawks continued to control the pace in the second quarter, forcing another five turnovers, and expanding their lead to 12 at the half.
 
Out of the locker room, the teams traded baskets for a majority of the third quarter. Hartford was able to cut the lead to eight with four minutes to play, however an E. Dufrane and one layup brought the lead back to 11. Hartford was not done just yet, as an Emma O'Hare buzzer beater three pointer cut the opponent's deficit to just six heading into the fourth. The Hawks would continue to hold onto their lead to begin the fourth, however Hartford would come storming back. They would go on a 10-0 run from the three minute mark to the one minute mark, with a Lauren Sabia three pointer giving them a two point lead with just one minute to play. The opponent would go on 14-2 run to finish the game, securing the victory over Roger Williams, 68-63.
 
Individually, the Hawks were led by Sophia Coppola (Madison, Conn.), who tied for a game-high 21 points to go along with a team-high six rebounds. E. Dufrane (Falls Church, Va.) filled up the box score with 16 points, six assists, five rebounds and four steals. For the opponent, Ava Naszimento led the way with a 21-point double-double that included 12 rebounds in just 27 minutes of play.
 
Roger Williams (10-6, 7-2 CNE) will travel back home to take on Nichols College on Saturday, Jan. 25^th, where they will look to continue their 31-game win streak against the Bison, a streak that dates back to 2009.