NEW LONDON, Conn. — Roger Williams University secured a 3-1 victory over the Coast Guard Academy in the opening game of a non-conference softball doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon at Nitchman Field.

Pitcher Raegen Germano (2-2) led the way for the Hawks, tossing a complete game while allowing just two hits and striking out a career-high 15 batters. The right-hander worked efficiently, limiting Coast Guard (4-2) to one run while throwing 102 pitches over seven innings.

Offensively, Shannon Starratt provided a key spark with a first-inning double before coming around to score on a wild pitch. Ashley Klingberg drove in a run and recorded two of Roger Williams' five hits, adding three stolen bases. Kayleigh O'Connor also had a hit in the matchup. 

The Hawks jumped ahead early, plating a run in the first inning when Starratt scored after reaching on a double. They extended their lead to 3-0 in the second off an RBI single from Klingberg and a ground out by Hailey Williams, who brought home Jaime Wells.

Coast Guard threatened late, scoring its lone run in the sixth inning when Bridget Bartz delivered an RBI single to bring home Maura Murphy. However, Germano shut the door, retiring the side in the seventh to secure the win.

Coast Guard's Dana Walker (4-1) suffered her first loss of the season, allowing five hits and three earned runs while striking out two in a complete-game effort.

Roger Williams and Coast Guard will face off again in the second game of the doubleheader, slated to begin at 5:00 pm.