Box Score BRISTOL, R.I. (November 6, 2024) – The third-seeded Western New England field hockey team fell in the Conference of New England semifinals on Wednesday night at Bayside Field, losing to the second-seeded Roger Williams University Hawks. This loss eliminated the Golden Bears from postseason play and concluded their 2024 season.

Records:

• No. 3 Western New England: 10-8
• No. 2 Roger Williams University: 15-6

How It Happened:

The Golden Bears started strong, dominating offensively in the first seven minutes of the game. They earned their first penalty corner just 3:54 into the contest, followed by another six seconds later, aiming for an early lead. Though they couldn't convert these opportunities into a goal, Western New England kept up the pressure, earning another corner at the 6:22 mark. Despite their early offensive efforts, they were unable to take the lead, while Roger Williams began finding their rhythm later in the quarter, firing off four shots. Roger Williams' best chance in the first quarter came with 1:43 remaining when Elizabeth Duquette was awarded a penalty stroke. However, Western New England goalkeeper Zoey Wexler came up big, saving the stroke and keeping the Hawks scoreless. Roger Williams continued to press, taking three more shots before the quarter ended, but the teams remained tied 0-0 after the first 15 minutes. Notably, the Golden Bears didn't take a shot in the first quarter, while Roger Williams recorded five.

The second quarter saw Amanda Burns with the first shot for the Golden Bears, but it was blocked by the Hawks' defense. Shortly after, Roger Williams capitalized on a penalty corner to break the deadlock. Hawks leading scorer Chelsea King inserted the corner, which led to a shot by Hannah Timbrouck that Wexler saved. A scramble ensued in front of the net, allowing Abigail Stevens to pass the ball to King, who scored, giving the Hawks a 1-0 lead. Late in the second quarter, Burns took another shot on goal, but Roger Williams goalkeeper Jill Haudenshield made the save, preserving their lead. The teams went into halftime with RWU up 1-0.

In the third quarter, Roger Williams increased the pressure and soon doubled their lead. Maddy Monahan assisted King, who scored her second goal, extending the Hawks' advantage to 2-0. Western New England responded offensively in the final two minutes of the quarter, earning four penalty corners and taking two shots. However, they couldn't find the back of the net. Burns took her third shot of the game, but Haudenshield was steadfast, denying the Golden Bears again. Roger Williams outshot Western New England 3-2 in the third quarter, with King's goal giving the Hawks a crucial 2-0 lead going into the final 15 minutes.

The Golden Bears were unable to overcome the Hawks' defense in the fourth quarter, as they were held scoreless and did not register a shot in the final frame. Western New England ultimately lost the CNE semifinal by a final score of 2-0, ending their season in the semifinals for the fourth consecutive year.

Inside the Lines:

• Chelsea King's two goals secured the Hawks' victory, sending Roger Williams to the CNE title game for the third consecutive season.
• Western New England took four shots in the game, with two on target.
• Zoey Wexler made five saves, including a penalty stroke, on seven total shots faced.
• Roger Williams eliminated Western New England in the semifinals for the second straight season.
• The Golden Bears closed out their season with a 10-8 record.

Coaches Corner:

• When asked about the final thoughts of the season, Head Coach Kyle Lyons said, "What I am most proud of this team is that we ended our season playing our strongest field hockey both as a team and individually. I am so proud of this group, and I hope they are too."
• Lyons was asked about her final thoughts on her 2024 senior class. Without hesitation, the sixth year head coach said, "There's nothing I can say to explain the impact this senior class has had on this program. They have led us to make program history on more than one occasion and are incredible leaders, teammates, and players. We have big shoes to fill."