BULLDOGS HEAD TO MONMOUTH ON FRIDAY (4 PM) AND RIDER ON SUNDAY (12 PM)
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Winning three of its last four matches, the Bryant University field hockey team hits the road for the third weekend of Northeast Conference play, heading to Monmouth on Friday (4 p.m.) and Rider (12 p.m.) on Sunday.
The Bulldogs (5-10) enter weekend action in second place in the NEC standings, tied with both Monmouth and Rider. Bryant has played extremely well in the month of October, as it is 3-1, through four games, since Sept. 30.
On Sunday, the Bulldogs suffered their first loss in Northeast Conference play this year, falling to 2-1, to Saint Francis (PA).
The visitors were able to get on the board first after earning a penalty corner in the 7th minute of play. Tia Dudukovich slid the ball to Carissa Makea at the top of the circle where Makea fired a shot toward the goal and past Bryant keeper Megan Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine).
The Red Flash continued to keep the action in the Bulldog-defensive half for most of the opening half, however just before halftime, junior Mallory Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) delivered a pass to Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand) at the top of the circle. Bird blasted a shot past keeper Katlyn Vitali to even the score at 1-1 heading into the half.
Saint Francis (PA) recorded the eventual game-winner at the 41:14 mark when Autumn Pellman cleaned up a rebound off a Megan Hancock save to put home her 11th tally of the year. The visitors outshot the Bulldogs, 12-3, in the contest, earning 10 penalty corners compared the Bryant's one. Megan Hancock registered three saves on the day while Vitali stopped one Bryant attempt.
Monmouth enters Friday's action at 4-11 overall, 2-1 through its first three NEC contest. The Hawks are led by senior Michelle Pieczynski who has registered 23 points on 10 goals and three assists on the season. Junior Teresa Mathews handles the goalkeeping duties for Monmouth, posting a .626 save percentage. Last season, the Hawks topped the Bulldogs, 4-1, in Smithfield.
Rider enters the weekend with a record of 9-5 overall, also 2-1 in NEC action. The Broncs will host Siena on Friday before welcoming the Bulldogs for Sunday's contest. Rider is led by junior Sandra Penas and senior Gabby Burgo who have amassed 26 and 19 points, respectively. Freshmen Alicia Carthan and Joelle Prettyman split time in net for the Broncs, combining for four shutouts and a 1.72 goals against average. Last season, Rider blanked Bryant, 6-0, in Smithfield.
The Bulldogs will look to continue their success in the month of October has they enter the home-stretch with only four contests remaining on their 2012 slate.
For links to streaming video and live stats and all the latest on Bryant University field hockey, visit BryantBulldogs.com.
