BRISTOL, R.I. — The Roger Williams University Women's Basketball team turned in a dominant all-around performance on Saturday afternoon, defeating Nichols College, 68–44, in Conference of New England (CNE) action inside the Student Recreation Center. The Hawks controlled the game from the opening tip, using stifling defense and balanced scoring to improve to 8–6 overall and 5–1 in CNE play.

Roger Williams jumped out to an early advantage and never looked back, holding Nichols to just eight points in the first quarter while building a 19–8 lead. The Hawks continued to apply pressure defensively in the second period, limiting the Bison to nine points and carrying a 35–17 cushion into halftime. RWU forced turnovers throughout the opening half and capitalized with strong interior play and second-chance opportunities.

The Hawks extended the margin in the third quarter, outscoring Nichols 23–9 behind efficient shooting and aggressive rebounding to push the lead past 30. Roger Williams finished the game with 25 second-chance points and 17 points off turnovers, dominating the glass and controlling the tempo for most of the afternoon.

Sophia Coppola (Madison, Conn.) led RWU with 14 points and six rebounds, while Chloe Richardson (Norwell, Mass.) added 10 points. Chelsea Graiver (North Yarmouth, Maine) and Ava Azzaro (Northampton, Mass.) each chipped in nine points, with Azzaro also pulling down seven rebounds. Lilli Clark (Willimantic, Conn.) contributed six points and four boards, and the Hawks received 27 bench points as the depth continued to make an impact.

Nichols was led by Alyvia Smith with 20 points, but the Bison struggled to find consistency offensively, shooting just 28 percent from the field. Roger Williams held Nichols to single-digit scoring in three of the four quarters and limited fast-break opportunities as the Hawks cruised to the 68–44 victory.

Roger Williams will look to carry its defensive momentum forward as it continues conference play traveling to Suffolk on Jan 14 for a 5:30 PM game.