WORCESTER, Mass. – Sophomore forward Mallory Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) scored a goal within the opening ten minutes of the game, and that was all the Bryant University field hockey team would need, using a strong defensive showing to down Holy Cross, 1-0, on a rainy Tuesday evening at Hart Turf Field in Worcester, Mass.

With both teams scoreless early in the game, Hancock dribbled the ball into the scoring circle uncontested from the left side of the goal.  The sophomore then maneuvered toward the cage, where she snuck a shot directly in front of junior netminder Kelly Sotsky for the game's only goal at 8:05 of the first half, as the Bulldogs (6-5) wrapped up their non-conference schedule in winning fashion, holding off the Crusaders (1-10) for the remainder of the game to seal the victory.

Senior goaltender Jennifer Gullotti (Waltham, Mass.) was stellar between the pipes for the Black and Gold, earning her first shutout of the season while turning in a six-save performance to improve to 2-4.  Her counterpart, Sotsky, recorded three saves while also benefiting from one defensive save from Kirsten Walther off a penalty corner in the waning moments of the first stanza.

For the Bulldogs, freshman Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand) threatened on multiple occasions, but was kept out of the cage for just the third time this season.  The rookie forward recorded a game-high five shots, with two on net, while Hancock and sophomore midfielder Olivia Jankins (West Brookfield, Mass.) also attempted a pair of shots.  The Crusaders were led on the offensive end by Kelsey Horton, who registered three shots on target, along with Jillian Caffrey, who also sent in three chances with one on net.

In total, Holy Cross held a slim 10-9 advantage in shot attempts, and also edged the Bulldogs in penalty corners, leading that category by a 5-4 margin.  Bryant was dominant in the first half, outshooting the Crusaders 6-1 before Holy Cross returned the favor in the second, tripling the Bulldogs' scoring chances by posting a 9-3 mark in total shots.

Next up for the Bulldogs will be a Friday (Oct. 7) night date under the lights at the Bryant Turf Complex, when they will welcome Monmouth University to mark the beginning of conference play.  Game time is set for 7 p.m.

For continuing coverage of Bryant University field hockey, check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com, and be sure to follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @BryantAthletics.