BRISTOL, R.I. — The Roger Williams University Women's Basketball team earned a hard-fought nonconference victory on Saturday afternoon, defeating Emmanuel College (MA), 59–54, inside the Student Recreation Center. The Hawks used a strong second quarter and timely free-throw shooting down the stretch to improve to 10–6 overall and 6–1 in Conference of New England (CNE) play.

After a slow offensive start, Roger Williams found its rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring Emmanuel 18–8 to take a 29–24 lead into halftime. The Hawks tightened defensively during the period, holding the Saints to 16.7 percent shooting while forcing key turnovers that led to transition opportunities.

Roger Williams extended its advantage in the third quarter, outscoring Emmanuel 17–14 behind strong interior play and aggressive rebounding to build a 46–38 cushion. Emmanuel made a push late in the fourth, cutting the deficit to three points in the final minute, but the Hawks closed the game at the free-throw line to seal the five-point win.

Lilli Clark (Willimantic, Conn) led RWU with 12 points and seven rebounds, while Chloe Richardson (Norwell, Mass.) added 10 points and three steals. Sakoya Sweeney (Craftsbury, Vt.) and Sophia Coppola (Madison, Conn.) each chipped in nine points, with Coppola also pulling down a game-high 13 rebounds. Maia Riccio (Cranston, R.I) went 4-4 from the free-throw line, providing crucial points in the closing moments.

Roger Williams finished the game shooting 80.8 percent from the free-throw line and held Emmanuel to just 26.8 percent shooting from the field. The Hawks also controlled the glass, outrebounding the Saints 43–37, and forced 14 turnovers in the defensive effort.

The Hawks will return to conference action traveling to Hartford on Tuesday, Jan. 20 for a 5:30 PM, as they continue their push in the CNE standings.