BRISTOL, R.I.  — Matt Hemmert scored a season-high six goals and added two assists to lead the Roger Williams University Men's Lacrosse team to a commanding 19-7 Conference of New England (CNE) victory over the University of New England on Saturday afternoon on Bayside Field.

Prior to the matchup the Hawks recognized team manager Nick Schuster, as well as players Jack Kester, Ryan Jones, Trevor Brooks, AJ DaRin, Ryan Vendetti, Malcolm Steegstra, Ryan Boutiette, Owen Fitzgerald, Keenan Pindar III, Max Kimmel, Chris Giorgi, James Dearborn, and Evan Parker in a Senior Day Ceremony.

The Hawks erupted for 10 goals in the first quarter, setting the tone early and never looking back. Roger Williams' offense was balanced and explosive, with eight different players finding the back of the net. Brady Lee and Vendetti each posted three goals, while Ben Selle and Eric Brooks added two apiece. Vendetti also dished out two assists, matching Hemmert and Lee in that category.

On the defensive side, Kyle Zirn anchored the effort with a team-high five caused turnovers and seven ground balls. Goalie Aaron D'Aversa earned the win, making four saves and allowing only three goals in the first half. The Hawks forced 22 turnovers and dominated ground ball play, 46-24.

University of New England (7-9, 2-5 CNE) struggled to generate momentum early but were led offensively by Stephen Fogarty, who netted two goals and tallied one assist. Kyle Dunn, Shea Fogarty, Hogan Corona, Brennan Chane, and Ean LaRochelle each added a goal. Shea Fogarty also recorded three ground balls and caused two turnovers in a two-way effort. Goalie Evan Hazard made 12 saves despite facing 51 total shots.

Roger Williams controlled the faceoff circle as David Rizzo won 18 of 23 draws and even added a goal in the first quarter. The Hawks capitalized on two of four extra-man opportunities, while the Nor'easters went 1-for-7.

In the first quarter, Roger Williams came out firing, with Vendetti opening the scoring just 47 seconds in. Lee added two goals in the frame—one assisted by Hemmert, the other unassisted—while Vendetti notched a second goal with an assist from Lee. Hemmert, Carter Shelton, Rizzo, and Eric Brooks each contributed goals, including two man-up tallies by Brooks and Rizzo. By the end of the first, RWU held a 10-0 lead.

The University of New England finally broke through in the second quarter with an unassisted goal from Shea Fogarty. RWU responded quickly with another Hemmert goal assisted by Eric Izzo. Stephen Fogarty and Ean LaRochelle scored for UNE, the latter on a man-up opportunity with help from Shea Fogarty. RWU answered with goals from Hemmert and Vendetti, taking a 13-3 lead into halftime.

Roger Williams added to their advantage in the third with goals from Selle, Hemmert, and Eric Brooks, two of which came on extra-man situations. UNE's Brennan Chane and Stephen Fogarty found the net during the frame, but RWU ended the quarter up 18-5 following a buzzer-beater by Hemmert on a feed from Lee.

UNE added two goals in the fourth from Kyle Dunn (assisted by Stephen Fogarty) and Hogan Corona, but RWU capped its scoring on a late goal from Matt Craig, assisted by Ryan Jones, sealing a 19-7 victory.

Roger Williams (9-7, 5-2 CNE) will travel to Boston on Wednesday, Apr. 23 at 7:00 pm when they take on Wentworth in their regular season finale.  The Hawks will then turn their attention to the CNE Tournament, which is set to begin on Saturday, Apr. 26.