SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Behind yet another balanced attack up front, the Bryant University field hockey team defeated St. Louis, 3-2, Friday afternoon, earning its fifth-straight victory.

The Bulldogs scored twice in the first 12 minutes of play to keep its win streak alive, improving to 5-1 overall with the W.

Senior defender MaKayla Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) wasted little time putting Bryant out front notching her second of the year at the 7:15 mark off an assist from junior forward Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand). Just over four minutes later, junior midfielder Abigail Armstrong (Mahopac, N.Y.) converted her first marker of the year, again from Bird, to double the Bryant advantage.

However St. Louis did not go away quietly as the home team cut the deficit to just a single goal at the 18:27 mark off a Jenell Murphy tally.

The Bulldogs added one more score for good measure in the final minutes of the opening half as senior Mallory Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) delivered a beautifully placed corner to classmate Olivia Jankins (West Brookfield, Mass.), putting the Black and Gold up, 3-1.

The Billikens were able to shrink the Bryant lead back to just a single score minute into the second period, but strong play in the Bulldog defensive third proved to be the difference.

Senior keeper Megan Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) stopped a pair of St. Louis chances to earn her fifth win of the season, as Bryant outshot its opposition, 13-7.

The Bulldogs will have less than 24 hours until facing off with Missouri St. Saturday at 2:00 p.m. EST in St. Louis.

For all the latest news on the Bryant University field hockey team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.