SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (January 6, 2022) – The Western New England women's basketball team were defeated at home today against CCC opponent Roger Williams on Thursday night by a final score of 76-54.

Records:

• Western New England: 3-8, 1-3 CCC
• Roger Williams University: 9-0, 4-0 CCC

How It Happened: 

The first quarter started all Hawks. Roger Williams jumped out early on a 9-0 run until Western New England's Alexia Leon knocked down a 3-point shot at the 3:49 mark. The Golden Bears followed up with another three from Allison Ingalls which cut the Hawks lead to just five with the score of 11-6 with 3:19 to go in the first quarter. The Golden Bears were unable to convert on the offensive end until Shaina Cooney was able to lay in an a bucket plus draw a doul with less than 2 minutes to go and another layup to end the quarter 19-11 Roger Williams.

The second quarter went back and forth between the two teams as WNE and RWU traded basket for basket. Grace Fisher scored the first points of the second quarter from the free throw line for WNE. The Hawks did not add any points to the board until 6:45 left in the half. The Golden Bears got the game within three points. Colleen Furlong, Fisher, and Cooney made major baskets for Western New England to put the score of 23-20 Roger Williams, almost halfway through the second. This sparked a 6-0 run for the Hawks who dominated the rest of the half. Leon added another three and Abby Garaban made some key plays in the half, but the Golden Bears still ended the half trailing the Hawks 38-29 after 20 minutes of play.

The Hawks made the first baskets to start the third quarter. Cooney knocked in the first two baskets in for the Golden Bears. Fisher and Emma Kahn contributed by chipping away at Roger Williams lead. The closest gap of the third was at 6:30 with the Hawks only up five with a score of 44-39. Unfortunately for the Golden Bears, the Hawks continued to build up their lead for the remainder of the quarter. At the end of the third quarter, Roger Williams had a double-digit lead, 57-41.

The Golden Bears opened the fourth with a great defensive play from Lindsey Carey which led to getting a fast-break lay-up. She also added some free-throws and assist for Western New England. WNE could not stop the Hawks from scoring. With less than 5 minutes to go in the game, the Hawks increased their lead to 20 points. The Golden Bears continued to fight it out to the end. Western New England couldn't close the gap, losing a conference game to Roger Williams with a final score of 76-54.

Inside the Numbers:

• As a team, the Golden Bears shot 35.5 percent from the floor, 21.4 percent from three, and 53.8 percent from the foul line while gathering 32 rebounds, 13 assists, and three steals.
• Roger Williams University shot 45.6 percent from the hardwood, 54.5 percent from beyond the arc, and 50 percent from the free throw line while tallying 45 rebounds, 17 assists, three steals and seven blocks.
• The Golden Bears were led by Cooney recording with 13 points and seven rebounds one assist and one steal.
• Garaban recorded 11 points, five rebounds, and four assist. Leon and Kahn both had six points. 

Up Next on the Schedule:

• The Golden Bears remain at home on Saturday January 8, hosting University of New England at 1:00 pm. 
• RWU remains on the road and makes a visit to Dudley, Massachusetts, where they meet Nichols College for a 1:00 pm tip on the same date.