BRISTOL, R.I. – Sophomore Kelsey Higgins scored four times for the JWU (Providence) women's lacrosse team, which dropped a 15-11 decision to Roger Williams University Tuesday afternoon in the Conference of New England (CNE) opener for both at Bayside Field.

First-year Riley Shepley racked up two goals and two assists, and classmate Keira Donegan added a pair of goals for the Wildcats (1-4, 0-1 CNE), who outscored the Hawks 5-3 over the final 30 minutes but were unable to overcome a sluggish start.

The Hawks (1-5, 1-0 CNE) held a 6-2 lead after one. The second quarter featured 10 goals and closed with the home team doubling up the visitors, 12-6. Higgins struck for a pair in the opening 30 while Shepley, Donegan, and freshman Cassie Burke also found the back of the net.

Higgins, Donegan, and Shepley tallied for the Wildcats in the third as they climbed to within four at 14-10. Higgins fourth and final goal of the day 2:43 into the fourth to cut the JWU deficit to three at 14-11 before the Hawks tightened up defensively and held the visitors scoreless the rest of the way.

The Wildcats – who were outshot 35-27 – received a combined eight saves from freshman netminders Carley Cook and Anna Barber. First-years Addison Stratton and Giovanna Gulinello both scored for JWU while senior Fara Holland and junior Alyssa Morrison each caused two turnovers.