BABSON PARK, Mass. – The Roger Williams University Men's Lacrosse team fell to #18 Babson, 16-5, on Saturday afternoon, as the Hawks opened their season in non-confernce action at MacDowell Field.
The Hawks were out shot, 52-28, while
Aaron D'Aversa made 13 saves in the contest. Roger Williams was successful on 17 of their 28 clear attempts, while the Beavers converted 16-of-18 to open the season. The Hawks were unable to convert on an extra man opportunity, but played close in faceoffs, falling 12-11.
Eric Brooks and
Malcolm Steegstra had two points, with a goal and assist each, while both picked up a ground ball,
Kyle Zirn had three caused turnovers on the game to lead the squad, while picking up three ground balls, with
David Rizzo also grabbing three off the ground.
For the Beavers, Camden Matthews had four points with four goals, while Seamus Rooney tallied four points off a pair of goals and two assists. Bennett Smith had two goals and an assists in the tilt. Alex Fascilla picked up the win in with seven saves, while allowing five goals, with Tripp Clark earning three caused turnovers and nine ground balls.
Babson opened the scoring 5:23 into the contest when Topher Bower scored the season opening goal, with Cmapden Matthews following with two goals in just over two minutes of play following. The Hawks saw Brooks and
Jack Kester score to cut the deficit to one, but Babson added a goal at the end of the first quarter, sparking a six goal run that was capped with a goal by Anthony Still well with 3:49 remaining in the third quarter.
With the Beavers leading 9-2, Steegstra scored his first of the season, but Babson again scored five straight goals to take a commanding lead. Zirn tallied one goal with
Brady Lee adding the other in the final frame, but it was not enough to take down Babson.
Roger Williams (0-1, 0-0 CNE) will face off against Salve Regina on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 4:00 pm on Bayside Field for the Bernasconi Cup. The Hawks will then host MIT on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 12:00 pm before facing off against Emmanuel on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
