Senior midfielder Marissa Ruzzano (Smithfield) scored her first career hat trick as Rhode Island College improved to 2-0 with a 5-0 shutout over Dean at Alumni Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The scoring started quick in the third minute as senior back Gabrielle McGowan (Warwick) sent junior forward Tayshia Cary (Wakefield) down the sideline. Cary crossed the ball to Ruzzano who banged in what proved to be the game-winner from 10 feet out.

The Anchorwomen led at the break and kept the Bulldogs without a shot over the first stanza.

The hosts added on to their tally in the 52nd minute as sophomore midfielder Karol Matamoros (Cranston) eluded multiple defenders and finished off a corner kick from junior back Karen Johnson-Hoffman (Groton, Conn.) for her first career goal.

About seven minutes later, senior forward Tayla Salome (Lincoln) was taken out in the box, awarding the Anchorwomen a penalty kick, which Ruzzano promptly buried.

Ruzzano finished off assists by freshman forward Hannah Rezendes (Bristol) and Salome to notch the hat trick. Rezendes tallied her first collegiate points of her career with that assist.

Freshman forward Tori Coroa (Bristol) muscled the ball away from Dean College’s final third and stuck for her first collegiate goal to cap the game’s offensive output.

Sophomore goalkeeper Nicole Nunes (Smithfield) made one save in 73 minutes of action to pick up her first career win and shutout.

Rhode Island College will played at Salve Regina on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

De Thomas named Rookie of Week

Rhode Island College freshman Arianna De Thomas (Providence) was named the Little East Women’s Tennis Rookie of the Week for her performance in the Anchorwomen’s season-opening, 9-0, win over Albertus Magnus on Aug. 31.

De Thomas paired with fifth-year Lauren Macera (Cranston) for an 8-0 shutout at No. 2 doubles and then won in straight sets (6-1, 6-1) at second doubles for a pair of victories on the day.

For the season, she is 1-0 (1.000) at No. 2 singles an 1-0 (1.000) at No. 2 doubles.

Head Coach Adam Spring’s team is 1-0. In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will host Curry on Thursday, Sept. 5 (4 p.m.).

Anchormen fall in opener

Sophomore midfielder Elijah Santos (Wakefield) scored the Anchormen’s only goal as Rhode Island College opened the 2024 season with a 2-1 setback at Emmanuel College on Sunday afternoon.

Emmanuel led first after a goal by sophomore forward Cam Naples (New Britain, Conn.) put the host’s ahead in the 22nd minute.

• Not long later, Santos scored his first career goal in the 28th minute to equalize the contest. Junior forward Sekou Kamara (North Providence, R.I.) notched the assist on the marker.

The two teams were deadlocked, 1-1, until the 76th minute where Naples netted his second of the game for what proved to be the game-winning strike.

RIC senior goalkeeper Wesley Perrotto (Pembroke, Mass.) made two saves in the loss (0-1).

Saints’ junior goalkeeper Maddox Pierce (Meriden, Conn.) made three saves in the first half before giving way to sophomore Aristidis Stefanis (Lincoln, Mass.) for the second frame. Stefanis stopped one shot and earned his first collegiate win (1-0).

Rhode Island College hosted Roger Williams on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Women’s volleyball takes opener

Junior middle hitter Andrayah Williams (North Providence) registered a career-best 11 kills and hit .556 as Rhode Island College opened the 2024 season with a 3-1 win at Fitchburg State on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts took the first set by four, 25-21, but the Anchorwomen responded by taking the next two frames (25-22, 25-19). It went to extra play, but RIC held off the Falcons, 26-24, in the fourth set to secure the win.

Sophomore outside hitter Sarina Marines (Cranston) led the way with 22 kills and 18 digs for a double-double effort.

Sophomore defensive specialist Carolyn Bailey (Ipswich, Mass.) posted a match-best 32 digs, which was also a career-high. Sophomore outside hitter Marina Colonis (Waterford, Conn.) chipped in with 20 digs and four kills.

Junior middle hitter Sydnee Pires (Rochester, Mass.) and freshman outside hitter Olivia Rollinson (Coventry) each registered seven winners on the day.