Sunday, September 7, 2008
Bryant 39, Southern Connecticut 36: Bryant picks up first Division I victory
By MIKE SZOSTAK
Journal Sports Writer
SMITHFIELD - Tropical Storm Hanna delayed its arrival long enough for Bryant to beat Southern Connecticut, 39-36, at Bulldog Stadium yesterday, but the ominous forecast of rain and wind dampened what should have been a festive atmosphere for Bryant's first home game as a Division-I program.
Only 2,417 spectators showed up on a humid, overcast, 82-degree afternoon, but they saw a battle between former Northeast-10 Conference foes - Bryant won the title last year in its final D-II season, and Southern is favored this year - and they didn't have to pop their umbrellas until four minutes remained in the game. Bryant won for the 15th time in 16 home games since the start of the 2005 season.
