Bryant hosts Lehigh Saturday with win streak on the line (12 p.m.)

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Coming off a dominant 16-3 win over UMass Lowell, the Bryant University women's lacrosse team returns home to take on Lehigh University Saturday at noon.

The Bulldogs (6-2) enter the tilt riding a four-game winning streak thanks to a balanced offense in their last appearance. Nine different players scored for Bryant, including the first career goal for freshman midfielder Kayleigh Phillips (Westminster, Md.).

Sophomore attack Emily Columbus (East Northport, N.Y.) led the way with four goals, bringing her season total to a team-high 23. Junior Morgan LaBarbera (New Fairfield, Conn.) and freshman Catlin Brown (San Diego, Calif.) each added three points of their own, with the former scoring twice. Senior classmates Skylar Zlotnick (Essex Fells, N.J.) and Shannon Burns (Mount Sinai, N.Y.) also helped out with six points between them. 

The defense was stout against the River Hawks, with Samantha Santeramo (Wantagh, N.Y.) earning the win in net. At the halfway point of the regular season, the rookie is 4-1, getting wins in each of the last four contests. Santeramo enters the weekend tops in the NEC with an 8.52 goals against average and second in the league with a .447 save percentage. As a team, the Bulldogs allowed only 10 shots from the UMass Lowell offense, with just three coming in the first half. The Bulldogs also caused 14 turnovers, their most of the season. 

Lehigh (5-5) is coming off a 16-8 victory over Mount St. Mary's on Thursday and will be looking for its third win of the week after defeating intrastate and Patriot League foe Bucknell on Tuesday.

The Mountain Hawks are averaging 13.80 goals per game in their five wins this season. Their offense is led by senior attack Carli Sukonik and sophomore midfielder Allison LaBeau, who are tied for the team lead with 31 points apiece. Sukonik leads the squad with 27 goals, while LaBeau leads in assists with 10.

Junior midfielder Kendall Garden has been excellent both offensively and defensively for Lehigh, ranking third on the team with 21 points while leading the squad with 21 caused turnovers. In goal, sophomore Taylor Tvedt has started all 10 games for the Mountain Hawks, boasting 42 saves and a 7.88 goals against average this season.

Saturday's game is the first half of a lacrosse doubleheader at the Bryant Turf Complex and can be streamed live at NECFrontRow.com.