Bulldogs' initial lead wasn't enough, Stags win 4-1

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Junior Emiko Barker (Hatfield, Mass.) put the Bryant University field hockey team up, 1-0, but it wasn't enough to hold off Fairfield Friday afternoon on the road.

The Bulldogs (3-13, 1-3 MAAC) were defeated by the Stags (5-8, 1-2 MAAC), 4-1, after taking the initial lead, when Barker found her first score of the season, going unassisted in the 20th minute.

The Stags tied the match in the first half, when Kaitlyn Taddeo passed to Ann Burgoyne in the circle for the finish in the 25th minute.

Erin Buckley found the game-winning goal for the Stags, contributing to the home team's offensive momentum, after scoring unassisted nearly five minutes into the second half. Burgoyne found her third point of the night, assisting Emma Clark, who deflected the ball into the back of the cage for the Stags' score.

Late in the game, Burgoyne found her second goal of the night and fifth point of the game, receiving the feed from Taddeo and beating freshman goalie Marissa Elizardo (New Wales, Pa.) to finalize the Stags' 4-1 victory.

Elizardo finished the match with six saves, advancing her season total to 79 in 14 games.

Junior Victoria Danby (Lancaster, Mass.) led the Bulldogs with a pair of shots on frame, adding to the team's total of five and forcing Stags' keeper Caitlin Bennet into four saves on the night.

 The Black and Gold return to Smithfield to take on nonconference competitor La Salle on Sunday at 11 a.m.