Roger Williams rallies in second half to advance to semifinals

BRISTOL, R.I. – The second-seeded 5Roger Williams University women's soccer team defeated seventh-seeded Salve Regina University Saturday morning in the Commonwealth Coast Conference Quarterfinals by a 3-1 margin.

After falling behind 0-1 early in the first half, RWU scored three unanswered goals to earn the win. This marks the seventh consecutive victory for Roger Williams in the series against Salve Regina and improves the Hawks' record to 10-0-1 against the Seahawks since the 2009 season.

Arianna Delli Carpini (Bedford Hills, N.Y.) was the Hawks offensive force early on, taking the first three shots of the game for RWU. Two of her attempts would be turned away by Salve Regina keeper Carly Pala (Milford, Conn.). Pala made a diving stop off of a shot from three yards away in the sixth minute. She would be in perfect position for a save off of a long shot three minutes later.

However in the 14th minute, Salve Regina would catch the Hawk defense off guard and pick up the first goal of the game. Abby McMackin (Walpole, Mass.) took a throw-in from the right side and made her way around a couple of Hawk defenders. With the defense dropping back, McMackin served up a long shot from the right side that sailed over the goalkeeper and into the left corner of the goal.

In the 31st minute, Roger Williams missed a golden opportunity to tie the game. A blocked shot for the Hawks bounced backwards to the right and towards Delli Carpini for an open shot, as Pala was on the opposite side of the net. She would take the shot but a timely defensive save on the ball for Salve Regina would prevent the goal. Delli Carpini would try once more but knock it off of another Salve defender.

Morgan Snow tried to score in the same manner as McMackin's goal in the 40th minute. She gained possession from five yards out of the left corner of the penalty area. She served up a shot to the upper left corner, but Pala used a jumping save to keep RWU off the board and help preserve the Seahawk lead heading into overtime.

The Hawks would get the game-tying goal two minutes into the second half. Samantha Woznicki (Bristol, Conn.) had the ball in the box and slide-stepped to her left around a Seahawk defender and looked like she was going to put up a shot. Instead she passed the ball back to her left to an uncovered Jodie Lavigne (Coventry, R.I.). Lavigne put up the shot and deposited the ball just pass the outstretched arms of Pala and into the right corner of the net.

Roger Williams would take its first lead of the game in the 57th minute. A long crossing pass for RWU bounced off of a Seahawk back and set up a corner kick for Jenny Nasser (Beverly, Mass.). Nasser would bend her shot inside the pole and off the goalie's arm to put RWU up 2-1.

Then in the 66th minute, RWU added an insurance goal to help extend the lead. From midfield, Paige Byrne (Clifton Park, N.Y.) chipped up a pass to the left to Kasey Provost (Peabody, Mass.) who was just able to stay onsides. She made an off-balance kick with her right leg to the right side just past Pala, as the ball slowly rolled into the net.

The Hawks outshot Salve Regina 26-6 on their way to the win.

Natalie O'Donovan (Quincy, Mass.) finished with two saves for RWU in the win. Pala stopped 12 shots in the loss.

The win for Roger Williams (12-7-2) advances the Hawks to the CCC Semifinals. RWU will host the winner of the #3 Western New England/#6 University of New England quarterfinal game on Wednesday. Salve Regina ends the season at 5-11-3.