SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Conference of New England (CNE) Women's Basketball Tournament begins Tuesday evening as sixth-seeded Roger Williams University travels to face third-seeded Western New England University in a first-round matchup at the Alumni Healthful Living Center. Western New England enters postseason play with an 18-7 overall record and a 12-4 mark in conference action, while Roger Williams finished the regular season at 13-12 overall and 9-7 in league play. The Golden Bears claimed both regular-season meetings, earning a 51-41 win in Bristol on Jan. 24 and a 59-55 victory in Springfield on Feb. 11.

Western New England brings one of the conference's top defensive units into the tournament, allowing just over 53 points per game while outscoring opponents by nearly 13 points per contest. Sophie Hedge leads the Golden Bears offensively at 14.4 points per game and is one of several scoring options in a balanced lineup that emphasizes ball movement, as the team averages nearly 16 assists per outing. Perry Blasetti anchors the interior presence with strong rebounding production, helping Western New England maintain one of the league's top rebounding margins throughout the season.

Roger Williams counters with a physical, rebounding-focused approach that has helped the Hawks control the glass throughout the year, averaging more than 41 rebounds per game while limiting opponents to under 55 points per contest. Sophia Coppola leads RWU in scoring at 13.3 points and seven rebounds per game, supported by Lilli Clark and Ava Azzaro in the frontcourt as the Hawks look to slow the tempo against one of the conference's most efficient offenses. With both regular-season contests decided by single digits and defense playing a central role on both sides, Tuesday's matchup is expected to be a tightly contested battle as the winner advances in the CNE Tournament bracket.

The Hawks and Golden Bears will meet in Springfield on Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm.