BOSTON, Mass. — The Roger Williams University women's soccer team made a statement in its first Conference of New England match of the season, cruising past Wentworth Institute of Technology, 3-0, Saturday afternoon at Sweeney Field.
The Hawks controlled the match from start to finish, overwhelming the Leopards with a 20-2 advantage in shots and a 13-0 edge in corner kicks. Roger Williams also held Wentworth to just one shot on goal while securing its first conference victory of the 2026 campaign.
With the win, the Hawks improve to 2-0-3 overall and 1-0-0 in CNE play, while Wentworth falls to 1-3-1 overall and 0-1-0 in conference action.
D'Antonio Gets the Hawks Rolling
Roger Williams wasted little time putting pressure on the Leopards, generating several chances and earning seven corner kicks during the opening half.
The Hawks finally broke through in the 19th minute when senior captain Mya D'Antonio (Marshfield, Mass.) found the back of the net at 18:07, giving Roger Williams an early 1-0 advantage.
D'Antonio continued to make an impact just minutes later, setting up the Hawks' second goal of the afternoon.
At 25:40, D'Antonio delivered the assist to sophomore Chloe Watson (Bethlehem, Pa.), who buried her opportunity to push the Roger Williams lead to 2-0.
The Hawks carried the two-goal advantage into halftime after limiting Wentworth to just one shot on goal through the opening 45 minutes.
Riebold Delivers the Dagger
Roger Williams continued to dictate play after the break, repeatedly testing the Wentworth defense and goalkeeper Kyleigh Murphy.
The Hawks' pressure paid off again in the 60th minute.
First-year Madelyn Riebold (Deep River, Conn.) found the back of the net at 59:51, scoring an unassisted goal to extend the Hawks' advantage to 3-0.
The goal capped off a dominant offensive stretch for Roger Williams and gave the Hawks all the cushion they needed.
D'Antonio nearly added an insurance later in the half, for the hawks forcing Murphy into a save at 62:25. The Hawks continued to generate opportunities throughout the final 30 minutes, including shots from Isabella Vena (Haverhill, Mass.), Beth Yucius (Duxbury, Mass.), Sarah Fogarty (Scituate, Mass.), Camryn Dickinson (Quaker Hill, Conn.), and Logan DiFatta (Simsbury, Conn.).
Hawks Lock Down the Leopards
While the offense stole the spotlight, Roger Williams' defense was just as impressive.
Wentworth managed only two shots throughout the entire match and recorded just one shot on goal, which came in the first half and was stopped by junior goalkeeper Lizzy Thompson (Holland, Mass.).
Thompson played the opening 45 minutes before sophomore Ava Boenig (Norwich, Conn.) took over in goal for the second half. Boenig helped preserve the shutout as the Hawks closed out the Leopards without allowing a goal.
The Hawks' defensive effort marked their first shutout of CNE play while showcasing the team's ability to control both ends of the field.
A Statement to Open Conference Play
From the opening whistle, Roger Williams established itself as the aggressor.
The Hawks finished with a 20-2 advantage in shots, an 8-1 edge in shots on goal, and a commanding 13-0 advantage in corner kicks.
D'Antonio spearheaded the Hawks' attack with one goal and one assist, while Watson and Riebold each added a goal to complete the scoring.
More importantly, Roger Williams opened its CNE schedule with a convincing victory and enters the heart of September with momentum on its side.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Hawks hit the road again on Wednesday, September 16, traveling to Newport, R.I., to take on Salve Regina University at 4:00 p.m.
