NEW LONDON, Conn. – Despite a late charge by the Camels of Connecticut College, the Roger Williams University Women's Basketball team defeated the hosts, 60-49, on Saturday at the Luce Field House.
The Hawks shot 30.8 percent from the floor, knocking down 31.3 percent of their shots from distance while shooting 76.7 percent from the free throw line, while holding the Camesl to 33.3 percent shooting.
The Hawks were led by Sophia Coppola (Madison, Conn.) who was responsible for 26 points, on 7-of-17 shooting with three shots being drained from beyond the arc. Coppola also tallied five blocks with nine free throws made at the line. Chelsea Graiver (North Yarmouth, Maine) had nine points with two assists and three steals in the game, with Lilli Clark (Willimantic, Conn.) pulling down nine boards.
For the Camels, Valeria Santiago Dedos and Sofia Tavarez each had 13 points, while Hayle Thompson pulled down nine boards, with nine points, and two blocks. Sydney Marshall also had three steals defensively in the game.
In the opening quarter, the two teams played tight, with the Camels leading 14-12, after a layup from Hayle Thompson. The Hawks answered with a three by Coppola, who had Clark hit a free throw with nine seconds left to take a 16-14 lead into the second quarter.
The Hawks went on a 7-0 run ending with 5:21 remaining in the half, capped by a layup by Meg Qualey (Woburn, Mass.) to take an eight-point lead. The Camels got a pair back, but were unable to level the score, trailing by five at the half.
The third quarter saw the Hawks roll, outscoring Connecticut College, leading 47-38. The Camels battled back in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to five with 2:38 remaining in regulation, after a pair of free throws by Sofia Tavarez. Coppola tacked on a pair of free throws with 50 seconds left, as the Hawks were able to hold off the Camels.
Connecticut College (1-1, 0-0 NESCAC) will travel to face WPI on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 5:00 pm. The Hawks will then take part in the WNE tournament hosted by Western New England beginning Friday, Nov. 21 at 8:00 when they take on St. Lawrence.
Roger Williams (2-1, 0-0 CNE) will return to play on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1:00 pm at Mitchell. The Hawks will then host Curry for their first Conference of New England (CNE) matchup on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 pm against Curry before hosting Tufts on Friday, Nov. 21 at 6:00 pm.
