HARTFORD, Conn. – The Roger Williams University women's lacrosse team fell 8-6 to Hartford in a tightly contested Conference of New England (CNE) matchup on Tuesday afternoon.
The Hartford Hawks took control in the first quarter with a goal scored by Kate Zonin. After maintaining possession, Lauren Samela followed up with another goal for Hartford. Zonin added her second of the quarter off of a feed from Sara Costa, and Talei Ricketson extended the lead to make it 4-0. RWU scored one before the quarter ended as Allie Shamberger (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) converted on a free-position opportunity to get RWU on the board, cutting the deficit to 4-1.
Hartford extended its lead in the second period with a pair of goals from Zonin and one more from Costa. Roger Williams responded with two goals of its own, beginning with a quick response goal by Jamie Anthony (Somers, Conn.), assisted by Miranda Hayes (South Burlington, Vt.). With a couple of minutes remaining, Mollee Merritt (Cheshire, Conn.) saw the back of the net off of a feed from Mikayla Fey (Bethlehem, Pa.), making the score 7-3 at the half.
Roger Williams brought the momentum into the third period, with Lauren Canata (Somers, Conn.) and Hayes recording the only goals of the quarter. The increased pressure by Roger Williams ended the period with a more balanced score of 7-5.
Hartford's Costa opened the scoring in the third quarter by placing a pass from Laurel Mclntosh into the back of the net. With four minutes to go, Shamberger scored off an assist from Canata to trim the deficit at the close of the game. The Hartford Hawks, however, held the lead all the way to the final whistle with a score of 8-6.
RWU outshot Hartford 22-21 (14-10 on goal) in the contest. Roger Williams committed 18 turnovers to Hartford's 14. Hartford held the edge in ground balls (22-17), while Roger Williams controlled the draws, leading 14-2.
The away Hawks were led by Shamberger with two goals and one assist, while Anthony, Canata, Hayes, and Merritt each added a goal. Aizza Chase Cohasset, Mass. made six saves in net for Roger Williams.
Hartford was led by Zonin with four goals, while Costa added two goals and an assist. Mandi Rivard made 10 saves in goal, anchoring a defense that limited Roger Williams' offense to 14 shots on target.
Roger Williams (7-7, 6-2 CNE) will be back in action on Saturday, April 18th, as they travel to UNE in another CNE matchup. Hartford (9-5, 6-2 CNE) will head to Endicott on Saturday, April 18th.
