MIDDLETOWN, R.I.-- Fifth-seeded Coast Guard downed No. 4 seed Salve Regina University, 10-8, at Gaudet Field in the first round of the NEWMAC postseason tournament on Tuesday evening.

Christopher Bethoney established an early lead for the host before Ezekiel Christian netted two goals and assisted on another to give the Bears a 3-1 lead to end the first quarter. By the end of the first half, Coast Guard had extended their lead 7-2 at the half, building off the momentum they had created early in the encounter. 

The Seahawks found their stride late in the third and into the fourth quarter, thanks to a hat trick from Casey Johnson, a pair of goals from Daniel Naglieri and a solo snipe from Charlie Townsend. With just under five minutes remaining, Johnson brought the Seahawks within two of the Bears, but Salve Regina was unable to capitalize on the final possessions of the contest.

Goals from Coast Guard's Patrick Smith and Christian provided insurance for the Bears, who held off late push from the Seahawks to win 10-8. 

Christian ended the contest with a game-high seven points on four goals and three assists. Smith chipped in four goals of his own. 

Salve goalie Griffin Caiozzo made 16 saves over the course of 60 minutes, while Coast Guard's Dustin Miller made 15 on the night. 

With the win, Coast Guard moves on to face top-seeded Babson on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the NEWMAC semifinals. 

About the NEWMAC

The NEWMAC is an association of 13 selective academic institutions: Babson College, Clark University, U.S Coast Guard Academy, Emerson College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Saint Anselm College (beginning reclassification process with NCAA in 2027-28), Salve Regina University, Smith College, Springfield College, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, that are committed to providing high quality competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes within an educational and respectful environment that embodies the NCAA Division III Philosophy. The conference also partners with eight Associate Members: Brandeis University (Women's Lacrosse, 2026-2027), New York University (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), Norwich University (Football), Simmons College (Rowing), SUNY Maritime College (Football), SUNY New Paltz (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Football), and Vassar College (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), while sponsoring 21 sports.