BRISTOl, R.I. (November 2, 2023) – The fourth-seeded Western New England field hockey team dropped a close 2-0 contest on Thursday evening at one-seeded Roger Williams University, ending the season in the CCC Semifinal round for the third straight season.

Records:

• Western New England: 14-5
• Roger Williams University: 12-5

How it Happened:

The Golden Bears opened the game with the first chance on a penalty corner, though they would not be able to succeed. Ella Henry would come up with her first save of the game on Elizabeth Duquette, though shortly after, a penalty corner would be recorded for the Hawks, which would get the hosts on the scoreboard. Duquette would pick up the ball and send a lofting shot up and over the head of Henry and just under the crossbar, giving Roger Williams a 1-0 lead just nine minutes into the contest. Henry made two saves in the opening quarter while the Golden Bears were held without a shot.

In the second quarter, Roger Williams would start off with a quick goal to double their lead just 1:52 into the quarter. Chelsea King would net a goal for the Hawks, sending the ball through the legs of Henry, giving the top-seeded Hawks a 2-0 lead. Western New England would control the offense for the first time in the contest at the midway point of the second quarter, earning four penalty corners and three shots as Haley Kaczka and Carly-Anna Barba would record shots on goal that would be turned aside by the Hawks' Jill Haudenshield. WNE would pressure late in the second quarter after the Hawks recorded two shots, one on goal, guided away by Ella Henry. Taya Buntin and Kara Edwards would both take shots, though both would be denied, as RWU took a 2-0 lead into the second half. WNE and RWU came away with seven shots each in the second quarter, while Ella Henry made four saves.

The Hawks controlled play in the third quarter, coming away with four shots and two shots on goal. The Western New England defense stood tall in the quarter, not allowing a third goal for the Hawks to keep the blue and gold in the game. Western New England recorded just one penalty corner in the third quarter, though they could not capitalize on the chance.

In the final 15 minutes of play, Western New England would be hungry for a goal but would not be able to find one. Kara Edwards took two early shots in the frame, one handled by Haudenshield while the other was turned aside on a defensive save by Abigail Stevens. WNE came away with four late penalty corners, with Analise Trani getting the only shot attempt away, coming up empty as Roger Williams would fend off the Golden Bears in the quarter and come away with a 2-0 win and a trip to the CCC Championship game.

Inside the Box:

• The Golden Bears see their season end with a 14-5 record, their most win under fifth-year head coach Kyle Lyons. The 14 wins are their most since the 2006–2007 season.
• WNE took ten shots in the game, seven coming in the second quarter, collecting eight total shots on goal.
• The Golden Bears took 11 penalty corners in the contest but could not come up with a tally.
• Sophomore Ella Henry made nine saves on the evening, allowing just two goals.