BRISTOL, R.I. -- The University of New England women's basketball team secured a 61-56 triumph over Roger Williams University on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 1) in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) action at the Campus Rec. Center.
The Nor'easters led by as many as 15 (34-19) in the 2nd quarter, and had their 10-point halftime cushion trimmed to four during the 3rd period before pulling ahead by nine (50-41) entering the 4th.
However, the Hawks posted the initial six points of the frame and whittled the margin down to just two (55-53) with 3:42 to go. Jocelyn Chaput hit a pair a free throws with 2:27 left and an Ashley Coneys layup on the next trip provided some breathing room at 59-53, and though UNE made just 2-of-6 at the line in the waning moments, it was enough to hold on for the victory.
Chaput ended with a season-high 18 points and six rebounds for the Nor'easters (3-5, 1-0 CCC), who snapped a three-game skid with the result. Sadie Nelson canned four three-pointers and totaled 14 points, while Abby Cavallarochipped in with eight points. Allie Goodman added seven points and shared the game-high of nine rebounds, helping the visitors to a 47-35 advantage on the glass.
For the Hawks (2-5, 0-2 CCC), who fell to UNE in last year's league final, Sam Leone knocked down four treys on the way to registering 18 points. Karli Opalka contributed 12 points and nine rebounds, and Gabby Jerahian went for nine points along with five assists.
Roger Williams scored the first four points of the contest, but the Nor'easters wrapped up the 1st stanza with a 7-2 run to go up by four (17-13). UNE carried that momentum into the next quarter, striking for the first nine points to double-up the hosts at 26-13.