Harden's double-double leads Salve Regina over Roger Williams, 67-59

BRISTOL, R.I. – Salve Regina University opened up Commonwealth Coast Conference play with a 67-59 win over the Roger Williams University women's basketball Wednesday evening.

The game started slow for both teams as they struggled to land baskets. The Hawks held a slight lead the first quarter, but Deanna McCarvell (New London, Conn.) brought the gap to one with three minutes to go, 9-8. Angelica Ariola (Prospect, Conn.) landed back-to-back baskets to pull the Hawks ahead slightly. Meaghan Harden (Sandwich, Mass.) landed a buzzer beater bringing the score to 14-10 in favor of Roger Williams going into the second quarter.

Both teams were equally matched athletically during the second quarter. The Hawks held onto their lead until Mary Eden (So. Kingstown, R.I.) scored a layup off a rebound to tie the game 26-26with two minutes to go. Bridget Quilty (Duxbury, Mass.) came back with a basket for the Hawks while Rachel Battista (Johnston, R.I.) landed the last basket of the half with a three pointer, giving the Hawks a minor advantage at 31-27.

Harden started the third period strong for the Seahawks with a three pointer and a jumper for five quick points, eliminating the gap. Salve pulled ahead at the three-minute mark with a basket by Jillian Woodward (Orono, Maine) to go up six points, 45-39. Quilty scored the final two points of the period, with the quarter ending in favor of the Seahawks 45-41.

Play remained back and forth throughout the last quarter, but the Seahawks held onto their slight lead. Eden hit a big three to advance the score to 54-42 at the four-minute mark. Mary Beth Cahill (East Williston, N.Y.) landed a basket for the Hawks, bringing the gap to seven with two minutes left in the game.

With a minute to go Battista landed a three bringing the hawks within striking distance, 52-59. The Hawks and Seahawks entered foul trouble, leaving Eden and Battista on the line for two good free throws each. The remaining 50 seconds of the game consisted of free throws by both teams. Anna Walter (Northhampton, Mass.) hit a three pointer with four seconds left, but the Hawks ultimately fell to Salve Regina, 67-59.

Harden had a standout performance for the Seahawks, leading the team with a double-double, 19 points and 16 rebounds. Eden followed with a solid 17 points.

Ariola led the Hawks with 17 points along with five steals, Battista was close behind with 16 points. Quilty stayed hot on the boards with 16 rebounds along with eight points.

Roger Williams (3-4, 0-1 CCC) will play its fourth consecutive home game this Saturday at 1 p.m. against the Fighting Scots of Gordon College. Salve Regina (2-5, 1-0 CCC) will also play at home this Saturday afternoon against Curry College.