WORCESTER, Mass. – The Roger Williams University Field Hockey team opened its 2026 campaign with a statement victory Tuesday afternoon, defeating No. 24 WPI, 3-1, on the road in Worcester, Mass. The win gives the Hawks their first victory of the season and marks a strong bounce-back performance after Roger Williams fell to the Engineers, 2-0, in last season's opener.
Hawks Break Through in Second Period
The opening 15 minutes proved to be a defensive battle, as neither team was able to find the back of the net. Roger Williams generated two shots and a penalty corner during the opening period, while goalkeeper Shae O'Neill (Medway, Mass.) and the Hawks' defense kept WPI off the scoreboard.
Roger Williams finally broke through early in the second period.
At 16:24, first-year midfielder Reese Jefferson (Dighton, Mass.) recorded the first collegiate goal of her career to put the Hawks ahead 1-0. Jefferson initially had her shot saved by WPI goalkeeper Myles Lakin before knocking in the rebound to give Roger Williams the early advantage.
The Hawks continued to pressure the Engineers and doubled their advantage late in the period.
At 28:56, sophomore forward Brodie Loveland (West Milford, N.J.) found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. Loveland put away a rebound from the left side following a feed from sophomore midfielder Lexi Yost (Swansea, Mass.), sending the Hawks into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
Monahan Extends Hawks' Lead
Roger Williams carried its momentum into the third period and added another goal less than five minutes into the frame.
At 34:43, senior captain and midfielder Maddy Monahan (Bristol, N.H.) scored her first goal of the season to extend the Hawks' lead to 3-0. The goal came following a Roger Williams penalty corner, with senior midfielder Anna Kruggel providing the assist before Monahan fired her shot into the back right of the WPI goal.
WPI responded just over four minutes later when Kyra Duane scored at 39:04, cutting the Hawks' advantage to 3-1. Duane's goal was assisted by Chloe Luongo.
Hawks Hold Off Engineers
With the Engineers looking to mount a comeback, Roger Williams' defense remained composed throughout the final 15 minutes.
WPI earned two penalty corners during the fourth period and created additional opportunities, but O'Neill and the Hawks' defensive unit held firm. O'Neill finished the afternoon with two saves, allowing just one goal in 60 minutes of action.
The Hawks continued to generate opportunities of their own in the final frame, recording four shots, including attempts from Tori Campisi, Eva Wood, Libby Corsetti and Emiley Vinciguerra. Lakin made two saves during the period, but Roger Williams ultimately held on for the 3-1 victory.
Statement Win to Open 2026
The victory marks an impressive opening to the 2026 season for Roger Williams, particularly against a WPI squad that entered the contest ranked No. 24 nationally.
The Hawks also flipped the script from last season's opener against the Engineers. After dropping a 2-0 decision to WPI to begin the 2025 campaign, Roger Williams responded one year later with a three-goal performance and a 3-1 victory on the road.
Jefferson, Loveland and Monahan each scored for the Hawks, while Anna Kruggel and Lexi Yost each recorded an assist. Roger Williams finished with 12 shots, including eight on goal, while WPI recorded nine shots and three on target.
What's Next?
The Hawks will have a quick turnaround as they return to action Wednesday, September 2, traveling to Newton, Mass., to take on Lasell University. The contest is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., as Roger Williams looks to carry its opening-day momentum into its second game of the 2026 season.
