SMITHFIELD, RI – Siena Women's Lacrosse fell short against Rhode Island, losing 7-6 on Wednesday in their final non-conference game of the season at Bryant University's Beirne Stadium.

Siena, now 5-3 for the season, saw a strong performance with a power-play goal in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to overcome Rhode Island's slight edge.

The Saints' Koehler Nieman found the net with a woman-up goal at 13:33, assisted by Deptula to level the score at 6-6.

At 10:24, Rhode Island's Katie Cumins responded with a goal, assisted by Caitlin Dellecave for the deciding goal.

The first quarter began with Rhode Island gaining the initial advantage through a draw control by MJ Timpanaro. Siena's defensive efforts were highlighted early when McAllister Salter caused a turnover and made a key save against Ashlyn Carpenter's free position shot at 9:27. Avery Connolly opened the scoring with a free position goal at 11:27, putting the Saints on the board first. Rhode Island quickly responded with a free position goal by Danielle McHugh at 8:40 to level the score.

Olivia Nicholson put the Saints ahead early in the second quarter with a goal at 12:56, assisted by Jenna Pollicino. Rhode Island responded quickly with a goal from Ashlyn Carpenter, assisted by Caitlin Dellecave, leveling the score. Lauren O'Hagan then scored for the Saints at 10:34, with Nicholson providing the assist. Dellecave scored on a free position shot at 6:11, which was followed by an Emerson Goettelmann goal assisted by Carpenter, pushing the Rams ahead. Hailey Deptula evened the score for the Saints with a goal at 4:30, concluding the quarter with both teams tied at 4-4.

Nicholson opened the third quarter for the Saints with a goal at 14:10, assisted by Pollicino, which momentarily pushed the Saints ahead. However, Rhode Island responded swiftly, with Caralie Basuel equalizing at 12:04 off a feed from Dellecave. Rhode Island then took the lead when Kate Cumins converted a free position shot at 8:44. The Saints' defense held firm in the latter part of the quarter, with Salter making crucial saves, including one against Goettelmann's attempt with just five seconds remaining, maintaining a tense 6-5 score in favor of Rhode Island at the end of the quarter.

The Saints dropped to 5-3 on the season while Rhode Island improved to 3-5.

It was the first meeting between the schools. 

Next up, Siena will open Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play at Fairfield (5-3) next Saturday, March 21 at 1 p.m.