SPRINGFIELD, MASS. – The Roger Williams women's basketball team fell to Western New England on Tuesday evening, 76-63. In a battle of two 4-1 teams in Conference of New England play, the Golden Bears were able to prevail over the Hawks.
 
The Hawks controlled a majority of the first quarter, leading the frame for all but one minute. They would head into the second quarter with a 19-17 lead. The women would once again hold a narrow advantage throughout the second frame until a Golden Bears layup gave the opponent a one-point lead at the half, 34-33. Out of the half, Western New England would take control, outscoring the Hawks by five in the quarter, and claiming a six point leading heading into the fourth. The fourth was more of the same for the Golden Bears, as they would put up an impressive 25 points for the quarter and go on to grab the double-digit victory.
 
In the loss, the Hawks were outrebounded by 14 by the opponent, 40-26. The Hawks also turned it over nine more times than WNE, 21-12. Additionally, the opponent attempted 13 more free throws than the women, knocking down 71% of their attempts.
 
Sophia Coppola (Madison, Conn.) led the Hawks in the scoring department and on the glass, netting 16 points and five rebounds. E. Dufrane (Falls Church, Va.) chipped in six assists in the loss. For WNE, Shaina Cooney posted a game-high 20 points. Lilly Hedge added a double double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists as well.
 
The Hawks (7-5, 4-1 CNE) will travel to the University of New England in their next matchup on Saturday, Jan. 11^th, before taking on the currently undefeated Endicott Gulls on the following Wednesday, Jan. 15.