Newton, Mass. – Coming off an impressive 3-1 win over No. 24 WPI Tuesday afternoon in Worcester, Mass., the Roger Williams University Field Hockey team traveled to Newton, Mass., Wednesday afternoon for a back-to-back non-conference match up with Lasell looking to make it two straight to begin the 2026 season.
The Hawks did exactly that, cruising past Lasell, 4-0, to improve to 2-0 on the season and secure their second consecutive shutout. Roger Williams controlled the contest from start to finish, scoring once in the opening period before adding three more goals in the second half.
Hawks Strike First
Roger Williams wasted little time putting pressure on Lasell, generating several early opportunities and penalty corners.
The Hawks broke through at 2:38, when senior captain and midfielder Anna Kruggel (Scituate, Mass.) found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. Kruggel's strike came off an assist from sophomore forward Brodie Loveland (West Milford, N.J.), giving Roger Williams an early 1-0 advantage.
The Hawks continued to apply pressure throughout the remainder of the opening period, generating five shots while holding Lasell without a shot. Goalkeeper Shae O'Neill and the Roger Williams defense kept the Lasers off the scoreboard as the Hawks carried their 1-0 lead into the second period.
Hawks Continue to Apply Pressure
Roger Williams continued to control the pace in the second period, creating several scoring opportunities and keeping the Lasell defense under pressure.
The Hawks generated seven shots during the period, including attempts from Reese Jefferson, McKenzie Foley, Emiley Vinciguerra, Mikayla Hanel and Emily Groves. Lasell goalkeeper Joy Sayah continued to keep the Lasers within striking distance, making multiple saves throughout the period.
Despite the continued pressure, Roger Williams was unable to add to its lead before halftime, sending the Hawks into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
Jefferson Doubles Hawks' Lead
Roger Williams came out firing in the third period, continuing to generate chances in the Lasell defensive end.
After multiple shots and penalty corners, the Hawks finally broke through again at 43:50. First-year midfielder Reese Jefferson (Dighton, Mass.) found the back of the net to extend the Roger Williams advantage to 2-0. Jefferson was assisted by first-year midfielder Mikayla Hanel (Ridgefield, Conn.) and the team.
The Hawks continued to attack throughout the remainder of the period, but Lasell goalkeeper Joy Sayah made several saves to keep the deficit at two heading into the fourth quarter.
Hawks Break Game Open in Fourth
Roger Williams continued its offensive attack to begin the fourth quarter, generating multiple penalty corners and shots in the opening minutes.
Then, at 52:37, Mikayla Hanel added her name to the scoresheet.
The first-year midfielder rocked a laser past the right side of the Lasell goal, extending the Hawks' lead to 3-0. The goal marked Hanel's first of the season and of her collegiate career
Just 2:30 later, Roger Williams added another goal. At 55:07, senior midfielder Libby Corsetti found the back of the net to push the Hawks' advantage to 4-0.
The Hawks continued to apply pressure during the final minutes, generating additional penalty corners and opportunities while the defense kept Lasell off the scoreboard.
Roger Williams ultimately closed out the 4-0 victory, earning its second consecutive win to open the 2026 campaign.
Hawks Keep Rolling
The Hawks' defensive effort once again proved to be a major factor, as Roger Williams held Lasell without a goal for the second straight game to begin the season.
After shutting down No. 24 WPI in Tuesday's season opener, forcing them to only 1 goal the Hawks carried that defensive momentum into Wednesday's match up with Lasell. Roger Williams also continued to generate pressure offensively throughout all four periods, using penalty corners and sustained possession to consistently test the Lasell defense.
The back-to-back victories give the Hawks a 2-0 start to the 2026 season as they prepare to return home for their first game at Bayside Field.
What's Next?
The Hawks will return home on Saturday, September 5, for their 2026 home opener against Plymouth State University. The match up is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Bayside Field as Roger Williams looks to continue its perfect start to the season.
