Bulldogs travel to take on Saints Friday before hosting Pioneers Sunday in Smithfield

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Coming off back to back blank sheets, the Bryant University field hockey team looks to change the tide on the road against Siena on Friday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. and in their first match in Smithfield, hosting Sacred Heart on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m.

The Bulldogs (2-11, 0-1) face the Saints (2-9, 1-0) on Friday, marking their second conference game of the season and looking for a repeat performance of last years' 2-1 victory. The Pioneers (2-9, 0-1) fell in their first league match to the Saints, 4-2, (Oct. 2) and next, will face Quinnipiac, who defeated the Bulldogs, 4-0, (Oct. 9).

The Saints are led offensively by a trio of players, all tallying four points from a pair of goals on the season, including Fabiana Citro, Ashley Dona and Sage Stebbins, as well as Marie Aloi with four points from a single score and two helpers. Junior keeper Mary Drabich has started all 11 matches for the Saints, recording 65 saves, while letting up 42 opponent scores.

The Pioneers have utilized the duo of Danielle Gallagher and Christine Mace in the attack, with Gallagher finding the back of the cage three times, while dishing out three assists and Mace notching three of her own scores, while tallying a helper on two occasions. Senior goalie Mary Altepeter has also started all 11 games, raking in 104 saves, while recording 39 goals against.

Junior Victoria Danby (Lancaster, Mass.) continues to be the top Bulldog target, topping the points chart with 20 off nine goals and two assists. Danby leads the MAAC in points and is tied in first for goals scored this season. Classmate Erin Karcher (Kennet Square, Pa.) sits fifth in the league in assists, adding four contributions to the Bulldogs' offensive effort.

Freshman goalkeeper Marissa Elizardo (New Wales, Pa.) remains in the cage for the Black and Gold, logging 64 saves, while allowing 36 opponent scores in 11 games.

The Bulldogs travel to Siena for a 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 and host Sacred Heart at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18. Fans can follow along with live stats at bryantbulldogs.com or watch the action on necfrontrow.com.