Kingston, RI – Senior Vernon Perinchief notched back-to-back first half goals – his first scores of the season – to lift the Hawks to a 2-1 victory over the University of Rhode Island Rams on Wednesday evening. With the win, Hartford improves its overall record to 3-1-1.

Perinchief, a midfielder, looked to attack right out of the gate, picking up his first of two-straight goals just five minutes after the kick-off. Sophomore Patrick Boucher assisted on the goal as he fired a cross from the right side of the field, allowing Perinchief to unload a shot to the top left corner of the net, out of reach of Rhode Island keeper Chris Pennock.

Perincheif's second goal, the eventual game-winner, came eight minutes later as the Hawks took advantage of a wide open net. Rookie James Stamopoulos racked up his first career points, connecting with Perinchief who deposited the ball into the unmanned goal in the 14th minute.

The Rams (2-3-0) regrouped during the halftime break and came out of the intermission ready to play as they put their first notch on the scoreboard just 40 seconds into the second period. Domenic Petrarca sent a pass from the right where Erkko Puranen knocked in Rhode Island's first goal of the game. Despite outshooting the Hawks by a 9-3 margin in the second half, the Rams could not penetrate Hartford's defense and were unable to put up the game-tying tally.

“The two goals we scored were absolutely brilliant,” commented Head Coach Dan Gaspar. He continued, “We had a fantastic first half. In the second half, we had to observe ways to attack, and we managed a positive result. Our character was definitely tested tonight, and I feel that the Hawks responded well.”

Hartford keeper Nenad Cudic made just one save en route to his third victory of the 2009 season. For the Rams, Pennock recorded four saves, allowing two goals.

The Hawks return to action on Saturday, September 19 when they welcome the Hartwick College Hawks to Al-Marzook Field. Kick-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.