SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Coming off a huge overtime win at Siena last time out, the Bryant University field hockey team will welcome a pair of MAAC opponents to Smithfield over the weekend, hosting Rider on Friday (7 p.m.) and Monmouth on Sunday (12 p.m.).
The Bulldogs, who snapped a three-game skid last Friday (Oct. 11) at Siena, enter the weekend with an 8-4 overall mark, 1-0 against MAAC opponents. After starting out the season 7-1, the Bulldogs opened the month of October with three tough one-goal losses, but bounced back against the Saints thanks to a five-point outing from junior forward Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand).
However, the road does not get any easier for Bryant as they welcome MAAC-leader Rider to the Turf Complex on Friday for what should be a showdown to remember. The Broncs enter the weekend with a 9-4 overall record, also 1-0 in conference coming off a 2-0 win over Robert Morris on Sunday. Reigning All-Conference selection Sandra Penas leads her team with 29 points on nine goals and 11 assists, while Nicole Hareau is tops in goals with 12. Joelle Prettyman handles the goaltending duties, posting a 1.38 goals against average in 13 starts this season. Last year in Lawrenceville, N.J., the Broncs topped the Bulldogs, 4-2, thanks to a pair of tallies from Penas.
On Sunday, Monmouth heads to Smithfield as the 3-9 Hawks look to right the ship heading into MAAC play. Monmouth is led by Amanda Schoenfeld and Alex Carroll who each have registered 11 points through 12 games. In net, Amanda Westerweller handles the majority of the keeping responsibilities, stopping nearly two-thirds of all shots she faces. Last season in West Long Branch, N.J., the Hawks scored three-straight goals to start the contest en route to a 3-1 win over the Bulldogs.
This weekend is sure to be crucial for Bryant in their hopes of getting to their first-ever MAAC Tournament.
For links to Live Stats and streaming video of weekend action and all the latest news on the Bryant University field hockey team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.
