BRISTOL, R.I. — The Roger Williams University field hockey team is set to begin its postseason run on Saturday, October 31, as the Hawks host No. 6 Nichols College at Bayside Field in the first round of the Conference of New England (CNE) Tournament. Opening whistle is scheduled for 12 p.m., with Roger Williams looking to build on a 13-6 overall record and a 5-1 mark in conference play.
The Hawks will enter the matchup looking to repeat their regular-season success against the Bison after earning a 3-1 road victory in Dudley, Mass., on October 3. With a spot in the CNE semifinals on the line, Roger Williams will look to protect its home field and keep its postseason hopes alive.
HAWKS BUILD MOMENTUM THROUGHOUT THE SEASON
Roger Williams has put together a strong 2026 campaign, highlighted by several key victories against quality opponents. The Hawks opened the season with a 3-1 win over No. 24 WPI in Worcester, Mass., establishing an early tone for the year.
On September 12, the Hawks delivered another memorable result, defeating CNE opponent University of New England, 4-3, in overtime at Bayside Field. Eva Wood (Sandwich, Mass.) scored the game-winner off an assist from Brodie Loveland (West Milford, N.J.), securing an important conference victory.
Roger Williams continued its strong play on September 30, earning a 6-1 win over UMass Dartmouth in Bristol. The Hawks followed that performance with one of their most significant wins of the season on October 17, edging CNE opponent Endicott, 2-1, in double overtime at Bayside Field.
The dramatic victory over the Gulls showcased the Hawks' ability to compete in high-pressure situations, a quality they will look to carry into the postseason.
WOOD, LOVELAND LEAD THE HAWKS' ATTACK
The Hawks will look to sophomore midfielder Eva Wood (Sandwich, Mass.) to help lead the offensive charge. Wood leads Roger Williams with 32 points and 13 goals, making her a central figure in the Hawks' attack throughout the season.
Sophomore forward Brodie Loveland (West Milford, N.J.) has also been a major contributor, recording 31 points and 12 goals. Her offensive production and ability to create scoring opportunities will be important as Roger Williams looks to break through against Nichols.
First-year midfielder Reese Jefferson (Dighton, Mass.) has made an impact in her debut season, tallying 21 points and nine goals. Senior midfielder Lexi Yost (Swansea, Mass.) adds another experienced presence to the lineup, entering the postseason with 17 points and seven goals.
Together, the group will look to provide the scoring punch necessary to help the Hawks advance beyond the opening round.
RASPANTE ANCHORS THE DEFENSE
In goal, junior goalkeeper Meili Raspante (Cotuit, Mass) has stepped up for the Hawks. Raspante has recorded 45 saves this season with a 69 percent save percentage, providing an important presence between the posts.
Her performance was particularly valuable during Roger Williams' double-overtime win over Endicott, when the Hawks battled through a tense contest to secure the victory. Raspante will look to continue that form against Nichols as Roger Williams begins its postseason push.
A FAMILIAR OPPONENT WITH A SEMIFINAL SPOT AT STAKE
Saturday's matchup will mark the second meeting between Roger Williams and Nichols this season. The Hawks took the first contest, earning a 3-1 road win on October 3 in Dudley, Mass. Roger Williams will look to replicate that result at Bayside Field, where the stakes will be significantly higher.
A victory would send the Hawks to the CNE semifinals, where they would face conference opponent Western New England. Roger Williams fell to the Golden Bears, 3-1, earlier this season in Springfield, Mass., setting up the possibility of another conference test if the Hawks advance.
With a postseason berth secured and a familiar opponent standing in their way, Roger Williams will look to rely on its balanced offense, experienced leadership and recent success in close games to continue its season.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Roger Williams hosts No. 6 Nichols College on Saturday, October 31, at 12 p.m. at Bayside Field in Bristol, R.I., in the first round of the Conference of New England Tournament. The winner advances to the semifinals to face Western New England.
