BRISTOL, R.I. — The Roger Williams University women's soccer team is set to begin its postseason campaign in the first round of the Conference of New England (CNE) Tournament, as the Hawks prepare to take on No. 6 Endicott. Roger Williams enters the postseason with a 9-2-6 overall record and a 7-2-1 mark in conference play, looking to carry its regular-season momentum into tournament action.
The Hawks finished the regular season with a 5-1-4 record at home and will look to build on a campaign highlighted by dominant offensive performances, key conference victories and a dramatic late-season win over nationally ranked competition. With a spot in the CNE semifinals on the line, Roger Williams will look to make a statement against the Gulls.
HAWKS ESTABLISH THEMSELVES EARLY
Roger Williams opened the season in impressive fashion on September 1, earning a 7-0 victory over the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford, Conn. The Hawks carried that momentum into conference play, opening their CNE schedule with a 3-0 road win over Wentworth in Boston on September 12.
The Hawks continued to find success against conference opponents, defeating Western New England, 4-1, at Bayside Field on September 19. The victory marked another strong offensive showing as Roger Williams established itself as a team capable of producing goals in bunches.
Throughout the regular season, the Hawks continued to deliver important results, positioning themselves for a postseason opportunity and setting the stage for a challenging tournament run.
LATE-SEASON STATEMENT VICTORY OVER HARTFORD
One of Roger Williams' biggest wins of the season came on October 10, when the Hawks defeated CNE opponent and No. 17 University of Hartford, 2-1, in a dramatic contest.
With the game hanging in the balance, sophomore forward Leah Costa (Woodstock, Conn.) delivered the decisive moment, scoring the game-winning goal with just 26 seconds remaining. The late strike secured a memorable victory for the Hawks and showcased their ability to compete under pressure against nationally ranked opposition.
Roger Williams carried that momentum into its conference finale, closing out CNE play with a commanding 5-0 win over Curry College at Bayside Field on October 27. The performance gave the Hawks a strong finish to the regular season as they turned their attention toward the postseason.
D'ANTONIO, YUCIUS LEAD THE OFFENSIVE CHARGE
The Hawks will look to their experienced attacking group to help lead the way in the postseason, beginning with senior forward Mya D'Antonio (Marshfield, Mass.), who leads the team in both points and goals.
Senior forward Beth Yucius (Duxbury, Mass.) has also been a key contributor, recording 14 points on the season with three goals and eight assists. Her ability to create opportunities for teammates will be an important part of the Hawks' offensive attack as they look to advance through the tournament.
Sophomore forward Leah Costa has made her presence felt throughout the season, totaling 13 points and six goals. Costa's late game-winner against Hartford highlighted her ability to deliver in crucial moments, and the Hawks will look to her to continue providing an offensive spark.
In the midfield, sophomore Camryn Dickinson (Quaker Hill, Conn.) has recorded 10 points and three goals, while first-year midfielder Madelyn Riebold (Deep River, Conn.) has added 10 points and four goals. Their contributions give Roger Williams additional scoring options as the team prepares for a high-stakes postseason matchup.
SEMIFINALS IN SIGHT
Saturday's first-round matchup against No. 6 Endicott presents the Hawks with another opportunity to test themselves against a familiar conference opponent. The teams previously met on September 25 at Bayside Field, playing to a 1-1 draw.
With the stakes raised in postseason play, Roger Williams will look to build on that earlier performance and find a way past the Gulls to secure a place in the CNE semifinals.
Should the Hawks advance, they would face No. 2 Suffolk University. Roger Williams fell to Suffolk, 2-0, on the road earlier this season, setting up the possibility of another challenging conference matchup if the Hawks can get past Endicott.
The Hawks will look to combine their offensive depth, late-season momentum and experience in close contests as they begin their pursuit of a CNE Tournament run.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Roger Williams will face No. 6 Endicott in the first round of the Conference of New England Tournament. A win would send the Hawks to the semifinals, where they would take on No. 2 Suffolk University.
