NEW LONDON, Conn. — The Roger Williams University field hockey team traveled to New London for a non-conference matchup with Connecticut College on Monday afternoon, battling until the final whistle in a 3-2 setback to the Camels at Silfen Field.
The Hawks entered the contest 3-0 after opening the season with three victories, including consecutive shutout wins over Lasell and Plymouth State. Roger Williams received goals from Brodie Loveland (West Milford, N.J.) and McKenzie Foley (Hanover, Mass.), while Shae O'Neill (Medway, Mass.) made five saves in goal.
Hawks Strike First
Roger Williams wasted little time finding the back of the cage, as Brodie Loveland (West Milford, N.J.) scored at the 8:26 mark to give the Hawks an early 1-0 advantage. Eva Wood (Sandwich, Mass.) assisted on the goal, Loveland's fifth of the season.
Connecticut College responded just over a minute later, with Alexa Blaeser scoring at 9:32 to even the contest at 1-1.
The Hawks continued to create opportunities throughout the opening quarter. RWU earned a penalty corner at 10:22, while Maddy Monahan (Bristol, N.H.) recorded a shot that was blocked. Shae O'Neill also came up with a save late in the quarter on a shot from the Camels' Eloise Montagano as the teams entered the second quarter tied.
Camels Take Narrow Lead
RWU came out aggressively in the second quarter, earning two penalty corners and putting a pair of shots on target. Anna Kruggel (Scituate, Mass.) and Reese Jefferson (Dighton, Mass.) each had shots saved by Connecticut College goalkeeper Isabella Carnall.
The Camels regained the lead at 25:35 when Montagano scored off an assist from Serena Moore, putting Connecticut College ahead 2-1.
The Hawks continued to battle through the remainder of the half, but the Camels carried their one-goal advantage into halftime.
Hawks Battle Back
Connecticut College controlled much of the offensive possession early in the third quarter, but O'Neill kept the Hawks within striking distance, making two saves during the period.
Roger Williams responded with pressure of its own, earning three penalty corners in the quarter. Brooke Ouellette (East Lyme, Conn.) put a shot on goal at 40:54, but Carnall made the save.
The Hawks eventually found the equalizer with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter. McKenzie Foley (Hanover, Mass.) scored her first goal of the season at 44:04, with Anna Kruggel (Scituate, Mass.) picking up the assist to knot the game at 2-2 heading into the final quarter.
Final Chance Comes Up Just Short
The fourth quarter featured another tightly contested battle, with both teams searching for the go-ahead goal.
Connecticut College broke through at 56:33 when Maddie Mason converted a penalty stroke, giving the Camels a 3-2 advantage.
Roger Williams continued to pressure the Camels down the stretch and earned a penalty corner at 50:14 before generating a furious final push in the closing seconds.
The Hawks earned four penalty corners in the final 14 seconds, creating one last opportunity to tie the game. RWU's final shot attempt went wide as Connecticut College held on for the 3-2 victory.
O'Neill finished with five saves for Roger Williams, while Carnall made three saves for Connecticut College. The Hawks finished with seven shots and 11 penalty corners, compared to 14 shots and 10 penalty corners for the Camels.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Roger Williams will look to bounce back on Wednesday, September 9, when the Hawks travel to Boston, Mass., to take on Simmons University.
The Hawks will then return home to Bristol on Saturday, September 12, to host the University of New England at Bayside Field. The matchup will mark the Hawks' Conference of New England opener.
