WORCESTER -- Despite a strong showing by WPI in a defensive showdown, the Engineers were edged out by Roger Williams University, 1-0, Friday evening at H.Carr Field at Alumni Stadium in a non-conference clash. The match-up served as the season-opener for both teams.
 
WPI dominated much of the game, out-shooting the Hawks, 10-4, and drawing 17 penalty corners to RWU's six. Despite taking only four shots however, the Hawks got one to go when needed, as Chelsea King (Schenectady, NY) scored in the 35th minute to give the visitors the victory.
 
The Engineers controlled the opening frame, firing four shots and holding Roger Williams without one. In the second, the Hawks had a pair of shots, while holding WPI's offense in check, but the game was still 0-0 at the half.
 
Roger Williams broke the deadlock in the third when King collected her own rebound off a penalty corner and found the back of the cage. The Hawks then held on defensively, as WPI continued to push for an equalizer in the final quarter.
 
In the closing minutes, the Engineers put two shots on, but Roger Williams' goalkeeper Jill Haudenshield (Sykesville, MD) made a crucial save in the waning moments to preserve the Hawks' victory.
 
WPI's Lauren Meinhold (Boxboro, MA) led the Engineers' offense with three shots, while Eliza Dutson (Woodstock, CT) had two shots on goal. WPI goalie Ella Moreau (Huntington, MA) made two saves, while RWU's Haudenshield finished with three in the winning effort.
 
WPI returns to the field on Wednesday, September 4, hosting Wesleyan at 7pm. Roger Williams has Johnson & Wales up next, playing on the road on Sunday at 1pm.