Maine tops Bryant, 3-1, Saturday

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- Despite holding a 1-0 edge late into the second half, the Bryant University field hockey team fell to Maine, 3-1, Saturday afternoon in Orono, Maine.

The Bulldogs (2-5) drop their first game in almost two weeks despite the valiant effort, while the Black Bears (2-5) snap a five-game losing streak dating back to August.

It didn't take long for the MAAC's leading scorer to get her team on the board when senior forward Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand) received a cross from sophomore Victoria Danby (Lancaster, Mass.) 10 yards in front of the goal to put away her fifth score of the season, granting Bryant the early 1-0 lead at the 6:08 mark.

The Black and Gold held the 1-0 advantage for the next 40+ minutes until Sydney Veljacic tipped in a strike from Annabelle Hamilton off a penalty corner to knot the score, 1-1, at the 51:26 mark. The Black Bears struck again less than two minutes later when Nicole Sevey tipped in a blast from Hamilton off another corner for the eventual game winner, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead in the process.

Maine added a third score for good measure at the 62:35 mark on a Holly Stewart tally, securing the 3-1 victory in its home opener.

Senior goalkeeper Megan Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) made an astounding 12 saves in her seventh start of the season, while Emma Cochran stopped five Bulldog chances in the win.

Bryant will return to action on Thursday when it hosts UC Davis for a 4 p.m. showdown at the Bryant Turf Complex.

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