SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Looking for its program record-setting eighth consecutive victory, the Bryant University field hockey team heads to Holy Cross to take on the Crusaders Tuesday night in Worcester, Mass.

The Bulldogs, who sit at 28th overall in the most recent NCAA RPI rankings, enter Tuesday's action boasting a 7-1 overall mark, the team's best start through eight games since the program's inception in 1999. The All-Time Division I program leader in points and goals, junior forward Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand) has already surpassed her point total from 2012 (21) and is well on her way to topping her fantastic freshman mark of 30. Entering Tuesday's action with nine goals and five helpers (23 points), Bird currently ranks fourth in the country in points per game (1.13) and seventh in the country in goals per game (2.88).

Also putting together fantastic first halves are seniors Olivia Jankins (West Brookfield, Mass.) and Mallory Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine). Through eight games, Jankins has compiled a career-high 14 points on five goals and four assists, currently ranking 35th nationally in points per game (1.75), while Mallory Hancock's MAAC leading six assists, ranks her 10th in the country in assists per game (.75).

The Crusaders enter Tuesday's contest with a 2-6 overall record coming off a 6-1 loss vs. Dartmouth on Sunday. Molly Feit leads her team with six points on a trio of scores, while Lauren Sutherland sits right behind her with five points. Between the pipes, Kat Matchett and Maya Langman have combined for a 3.38 goals against average and a .663 save percentage thought eight games. After getting off to a 2-2 start, Holy Cross has dropped its last four decisions as it looks to get back on track on Tuesday.

Last year, Bird scored just over five minutes into extra time to lift the Black and Gold to a 3-2 victory as part of the Bulldogs' three-game October win streak.

With just three games left until MAAC play begins on Oct. 11 at Siena, the Bulldogs will look to make history Tuesday with its eighth-straight win this season.

For links to live stats and streaming video of Tuesday's action and all the latest news on the Bryant University field hockey team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.