Top-seeded Bulldogs host #4 Colonials in NEC Semifinals Friday

SMITHFIELD, R.I. — The Bryant University women's lacrosse team looks to repeat as Northeast Conference Tournament Champions when they take on No. 4 Robert Morris in the NEC Semifinals, Friday at 4 p.m. at the Bryant Turf Complex. No. 2 Wagner and No. 3 Mount St. Mary's will face off in the second game at 7 p.m.

The top-seeded Bulldogs (12-4, 6-1 NEC) look to bounce back after suffering their first conference loss of the season when Mount St. Mary's  topped them, 9-8, in overtime on Sunday.  The offense was held well below its season average of 11.94 goals per game by Mount keeper Steph Rurkowski, who recorded 12 saves off 20 Bulldog shots.

Junior Lauren Descalzo (Hauppauge, N.Y.) notched her 53^rd goal of the year to tie her single- season record that she set just a year ago. The junior attack netted four goals in total in the regular-season finale, and was one of four Bulldogs to record at least three points on the day. Sophomore Emily Columbus (East Northport, N.Y.) added two goals and an assist to give her 60 points on the season, one behind Descalzo for the team lead.

Freshman goalkeeper Samantha Santeramo (Wantagh, N.Y.) recorded all 126 minutes in cage in the final two games of the regular season. She made 14 saves in the last two games to boost her season total to 66. Santeramo enters the NEC tournament with a league leading 8.80 goals against average.

Robert Morris (10-6, 3-4) looks to avenge their 17-13 shootout loss to Bryant back on April 17th. The Colonials high-powered offense averages 15.25 goals per game on the season and will look to break down the Bulldog defense. Senior midfielder Kristin Yoviene leads the way with team highs in points (52), goals (30), and assists (22). Right behind her is junior Corey Karwacki who has registered 44 points on the year with 27 goals and 17 assists.

The Colonials will rely on a pair of goalkeepers who have split time in net all season. Sophomore goalkeeper Hallie Yancey posts a 10.78 goals against average and 28 saves on the season. Freshman goalkeeper Mackenzie Duffy started the final game of the regular season for the Colonials and posts a 11.33 goals against average and 63 saves this season.

The action can be seen live on NECFrontRow.com beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday. The two semifinal winners will square off on Sunday at 1 p.m. for the NEC Championship and the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.