BRISTOL, R.I. — Top-seeded Roger Williams University secured its fifth consecutive appearance in the Conference of New England Championship match with a 2-0 semifinal victory over fifth-seeded Gordon College on Wednesday afternoon at Bayside Field.
The Hawks improved to 13-1-5 behind goals from Louis Hawkins (Norwich, Conn.) and Dylan Thomas (Norwalk, Conn.). Eliot Panaccione (Pepperell, Mass.) stopped all four shots he faced to earn his sixth shutout of the season and improve to 9-1-5 in goal.
Roger Williams controlled the match statistically, outshooting Gordon 21-8 and finishing with a 7-4 advantage in shots on goal. The Hawks also generated six corner kicks while holding the Fighting Scots to one.
RWU applied pressure immediately, taking the first two shots and earning a corner kick within the opening nine minutes. Hawkins broke through at the 13:50 mark, scoring his team-leading seventh goal of the season to give the Hawks a 1-0 advantage.
The Hawks continued to press throughout the first half, recording 13 shots and forcing Gordon goalkeeper Riley Calemmo to make four saves. Thomas placed consecutive attempts on frame during the 20th and 21st minutes, while Dylan Robbins (Johnston, R.I.) and Tyler Jastrab (Townsend, Mass.) also tested Calemmo.
Gordon created more opportunities after halftime, but Panaccione preserved the lead with saves on Santiago Hernandez in the 47th minute and Andrew Lazich in the 56th.
Thomas supplied the insurance goal with 5:31 remaining, scoring his third goal of the season to extend the RWU advantage to 2-0. Panaccione completed the clean sheet with his fourth save less than a minute later.
Hawkins led all players with five shots, placing two on goal. Thomas recorded four attempts and a match-high three shots on target, while Robbins added four shots.
Roger Williams will host No. 3 Western New England University in the CNE Championship on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Bayside Field. The Hawks will compete for their third conference title in five years after winning in 2022 and 2025, while also seeking their second consecutive championship.
