Statistics

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Roger Williams University scored 15 straight points in the latter portion of the 1st quarter to separate from the University of New England on the way to a 58-46 decision in a Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) matchup of the last undefeated women's basketball squads on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 15) at Coach Beaudry's Court inside the Harold Alfond Forum.

The Hawks remain perfect on the season at 12-0 (7-0 CCC), while the result puts a halt to the Nor'easters' six-game win streak and bumps UNE back to 8-6 on the year (6-1 CCC).

Katie Galligan topped the visitors with 13 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Nikki Rosa came off the bench to contribute 12 points, seven caroms, and four blocks. Caroline Elie added nine points for Roger Williams, which totaled a 24-10 scoring edge in the paint.

The Nor'easters managed to limit RWU's leading scorer, Karli Opalka, to just one basket on the day -- more than 11 points below her season average (13.6). Opalka did collect a game-high 10 rebounds, though, and the Hawks amassed a 57-33 advantage on the boards, with 23 on the offensive end.

For UNE, Kaylee Beyor and Jordyn Franzen registered 12 points apiece. Beyor also turned in six blocks -- one shy of matching the program game record. Juliana Tracey notched 11 points and a team-best six rebounds.

Both sides were challenged by the opposing defenses, combined pretty evenly to shoot below 28 percent from the field in the contest.

After taking the lead at 6-4, Galligan canned back-to-back three-pointers to pad the RWU cushion with 2:33 left in the opening period. Rosa tallied the next six as the margin grew to 18-4 before the conclusion of the frame. The Nor'easters reduced the spread to seven (22-15) in the 2nd, but trailed 30-18 through 20 minutes.

Tracey started the 3rd with a trey for UNE (30-21), only to see the Hawks push the gap to its peak of 18 (48-30) later in the quarter. The Nor'easters didn't go away easily and dialed up 14 of the next 17 points -- while RWU went 1-of-12 with six turnovers -- to close within 51-44 at the 2:23 mark of the 4th, however the deficit was too large to overcome.

UNE gets back to work on Monday (5 p.m.) when Salve Regina University travels to Biddeford.