After eight straight wins — including those to University of New England and Western New England University — the Hawks knew that each of their remaining competitors were prepared for a fight.

According to Head Coach Kelly Thompson, every matchup since their win against Salve Regina University on Tuesday would be a dogfight.

“We just have to come focused,” Thompson said.

The head-to-head with Salve started slow. The Hawks allowed 37 points in the first-half starting with a 9-0 sprint. Outrebounding RWU defensively seemed to be a gamechanger for the Seahawks.

In their first competition of the season, the Hawks performed a significantly more intensive first-half holding Salve to only 28 points and fewer rebounds. This time around, Salve was prepared for RWU’s gameplay.

Salve’s predictable, assertive offense was even enough to rattle the Hawks, at first.

“We always know that Salve’s going to be tough, but when you’re at the top of the conference, teams are going to bring their best game against you,” Thompson said.

After a few quick talks from Thompson in the last three minutes with the Hawks leading 63-59, the team pulled out their respected defense they produced in the fall semester.

By grabbing upwards of six defensive rebounds and hitting 61 percent of their shots in the final push of the fourth quarter, the Hawks halted the Seahawks at 59 to end the game with a 71-63 final score.

Senior forward Mariah Nicholas led the Hawks with 20 points and seven rebounds, while senior guard Anna Walther had 18 points, five rebounds and three blocks.

Senior forward Teagan Dunn also contributed, adding a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards, and senior forward Stephanie Bramante stepped in off the bench with 10 points.

Overall, Thompson is glad that her team was able to share the ball—a skill they lacked in the earlier portion of the season. Senior Rebecca Ritchie led the team with four assists while Dunn, Bramante, sophomore Gabby Jerahian and freshman Sam Mancinelli followed right behind her with three each.

The team was also able to minimize their turnovers to 10 which is something they hope to continue to excel at heading toward postseason play.

“This team — being led by the seniors — has taken great strides and I think they’re starting to feel it more,” Thompson said. “We’re in control of first-place if we take care of business and hopefully that’s motivating everyone to get better every day.”