Joseph Carosi

Herald Reporter

With the autumn semester ending and the spring semester just starting, it’s time to rewind and look back at all of the sports action that occurred in the final months of 2016. Three teams saw lots of action over the break, including: men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and wrestling.

The men’s basketball team had a lot to prove this season after making it all the way to the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) championship match last season, and, so far, things seem to be shaping up nicely for the team. The team went into winter break with an impressive 7-2 record. However, over the winter break things started to get even better for the team as they posted an 8-2 record, putting them at 15-4 overall on the season. They are now tied for second in the CCC, and are just one game behind Endicott College for first place in the conference. Sophomore Austin Coene was a big reason for the team’s success over break. Coene is averaging just over 20 points a game for the season, and during the winter semester he played lights out, scoring at least 15 points in 9 out of the 10 games during the semester. He will be the player to watch during the season.

The women’s basketball team ended last season with a 17-10 overall record, but saw the season end after a loss to Western New England University in the semifinal round of the CCC tournament. This season, the team has rebounded well, and like the men’s team currently has a record of 15-4 record overall. Before winter break the team was 4-3 overall, but turned things around quickly as the team nearly went undefeated for the entire winter break. The team posted a remarkable 12-1 record putting them at first place in the CCC. To add to their success, the team has yet to post a loss to a CCC opponent so far this season. Like the men’s team, things look to be shaping up for not only the remainder of the regular season, but also when the playoffs start to come around. Leading the charge for the team was senior Bridget Quilty, who is currently averaging just over 16 points a game for the season. Over winter break, Quilty scored double figures in every game, and rarely had a game that went under 16 points. This team looks to be a lot stronger already than they did last season, and should continue to play well down the stretch.

Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are making a statement this season, and will more than likely have a postseason appearance. They will look towards the experience and overall strength of their star players, and will hopefully end their seasons with a CCC trophy in their hands.

The last big team that made an impact during the autumn semester was the wrestling team. To no one’s surprise the wrestling team has been dominant this season. After placing second in the Northeast Regional tournament, and 15th at the NCAA Division III tournament, the team does have a lot to live up to, and so far, the team has done just that. Currently the team is 17-1 on the season with high placings in several weekend tournaments like the New Standard Corps. Invite and the Monarch Invitational. The team’s only loss came during winter break against Johnson and Wales University. The team finished the winter semester with a 12-1 overall record. The team is currently sitting at the #7 spot in the NCAA Division III rankings. The team looks to make a name for themselves in the Northeast Regional tournament once again, and will look to place in the top 10 at the NCAA Division III tournament.

The spring semester is already very promising for Roger Williams athletics, and each team has put themselves in a strong position to take home a championship. Be sure to support your Hawks throughout the season!