FIELD HOCKEY HEADS TO SACRED HEART FRIDAY (4 PM), HOSTS QUINNIPIAC SUNDAY (1 PM)
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – With only two games remaining on their 2012 schedule, the Bryant University field hockey team will look to earn a Division I postseason berth for the second time in program history.
The Bulldogs enter the weekend with a 5-12 overall record, sitting tied for fifth at 2-3 in the Northeast Conference standings. Bryant will visit Sacred Heart on Friday for a 4 p.m. matchup, before hosting Quinnipiac in a huge Sunday (1 p.m.) showdown in Smithfield.
Sunday marks a big day for the Bulldogs as they gear up to host a Pink Out for the "Stick it to Cancer" initiative in order to raise awareness and money for the National Cancer Research Foundation. The field hockey program will also honor its four seniors Sunday, as they prepare for their final home contest of the season.
The Black and Gold are coming off a tough 4-2 loss to Rider this past Sunday.
On Sunday, Rider wasted little time chalking up an early lead, recording two goals in the first 7 minutes of play. At the 5:30 mark, Sandra Penas tipped in an attempt off a penalty corner from Allison Muschs to grant the home team the 1-0 advantage. Less than two minutes later Penas tallied her second marker of the contest from teammate Marlaine Schneider to double the lead to 2-0.
The Bulldogs would cut the advantage in half at the 29:06 mark when sophomore Abigail Armstrong (Mahopac, N.Y.) tipped in a penalty corner. Junior Kayleigh Ballantyne (Gorham, Maine) slid the penalty corner to senior Brittany Vasconcelos (Tiverton, R.I.) who fired a shot toward the goal where Armstrong tipped the ball past keeper Joelle Prettyman.
The Broncs added two quick scores just after halftime, the first coming at the 41:20 mark off a Blast from Schneider, with the second less than three minutes later from Gabby Burgo.
Ballantyne recorded a score of her own at the 53:11 mark off a pass from Armstrong to cut the lead to 4-2, however, Rider would hold on to secure their 11th victory of the season.
The Bulldogs will head to Fairfield, Conn., on Friday for a showdown with Sacred Heart. The Pioneers enter weekend action with a 5-10 overall record, still searching for their first win in NEC action. Freshman Liz Bergman leads her team in all major statistical categories, registering 12 points on five goals and two assists, while classmate Mary Altepeter handles the goaltending duties.
On Sunday, Bryant will host Quinnipiac in the season finale for both teams (1 p.m.). The Bobcats visit Smithfield boasting an overall mark of 10-6, sitting just ahead of Bryant in the NEC standings at 3-2. Led by a trio of juniors, Jess Rusin, Jennalise Taylor and Kiristin Engelke have tallied 22, 18 and 11 points, respectively. Senior Nicole Lewis has posted an impressive .804 save percentage in goal, registering three shutouts this season.
Last season, both Sacred Heart and Quinnipiac bested the Bulldogs on the road. This time around, Bryant will be out for revenge with a postseason spot on the line.
For links to live stats and streaming video of weekend action and all the latest on Bryant University field hockey, visit BryantBulldogs.com.
