BRISTOL, R.I. — The Roger Williams University field hockey team faced a tough test Sunday afternoon at Bayside Field against No. 3 nationally ranked Christopher Newport University, falling 5-0 to the Captains. Despite the final score, the Hawks showed defensive resilience early, keeping Christopher Newport scoreless through the first quarter and limiting the Captains to one goal in the second.
Junior goalkeeper Meili Raspante (Cotuit, Mass.) anchored the defensive effort with 13 saves, while the Hawks continued to disrupt the Captains' attack with timely stops, defensive saves and pass deflections throughout the contest.
Hawks Hold Firm in the Opening Half
Roger Williams came out ready to compete against one of the nation's top teams, keeping Christoph er Newport off the scoreboard in the opening 15 minutes. The Captains generated chances early, but Raspante made key saves to keep the game scoreless, while junior Ava Hogenkamp (Deerfield, Ill.) recorded a defensive save at 5:25 to deny another opportunity.
The Hawks continued to battle in the second quarter, disrupting passing lanes and challenging the Captains' offensive rhythm. Raspante turned aside multiple shots, including attempts from Caroline Hughlett and Riley Iasiello, as Roger Williams worked to protect its defensive shape. Christopher Newport eventually broke through at 23:05 to take a 1-0 lead, but the Hawks limited the damage and entered halftime trailing by just one goal.
Raspante Leads Defensive Effort Against Captains
The Captains found more room offensively in the third quarter, scoring three times to extend their lead. Raspante continued to work under pressure, making several saves during a sustained stretch of Christopher Newport attacks, including multiple stops that were on the Hawks doorstep. The junior goalkeeper finished with 13 saves, facing 27 shots from the Captains.
Roger Williams continued to contest possessions and disrupt passing sequences, looking to prevent clean opportunities and keep the nationally ranked visitors from building further momentum. The Hawks also earned four penalty corners, including two in the fourth quarter, as they continued searching for opportunities to generate offense.
Hawks Continue to Compete Through the Final Whistle
Christopher Newport added a fifth goal late in the fourth quarter, but the Hawks continued to battle through the final minutes. Roger Williams recorded six shots, including two on goal, while Maddy Monahan (Bristol, N.H.) and Reese Jefferson (Dighton, Mass.) each put a shot on target.
Despite facing a nationally ranked opponent with a high-powered attack, the Hawks continued to compete defensively, challenge possessions and look for opportunities to get forward. The performance featured important defensive stops and sustained effort as Roger Williams looks to regroup and prepare for its next contest.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Hawks will look to bounce back on Wednesday, Oct. 14, when they return to Bayside Field to host Salve Regina. The contest is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. in Bristol, R.I.
