Bryant rolls past Merrimack, 19-7

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Freshman Kenna Kaut and graduate student Gabriella Henry netted their first career goals in today's 19-7 triumph over Merrimack on Wednesday afternoon. The Bryant University women's lacrosse team evens its conference record at 5-5 as the hunt for a playoff spot continues.

GAME INFORMATION
Bryant 19, Merrimack 7
Records: Bryant (5-5, 5-5) | Merrimack (2-9, 2-7)
Location: Beirne Stadium (Smithfield, R.I.)

COACH ROCHE COMMENTS

"We played our game today. I was happy to see things come together on both sides of the ball and proud of our teamwork and execution of our game plan. We are excited for the final week of the regular season and will continue to build off this positive result."

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Caitlin Bolen and Cassidy Burns put the Bulldogs on the board just three minutes into the game, but it was just four minutes later when Merrimack evened the score at 2-all.
• Chamberlaine Bell assisted back-to-back goals to kick start a 4-0 Bryant run as the Bulldogs built a four-goal cushion, 6-2.
• Merrimack went on a quick 3-1 spurt to pull within two, but Skylar Simmonds sparked a 5-0 run for the Black and Gold to close out the half, 12-5.
• The Bulldogs outscored Merrimack 7-2 in the second half. Cassidy Burns buried a free position shot with 14:49 still left to play to force a running clock as the Bulldogs grew to a ten-goal lead.

STATS/GAME NOTES

• Bolen poured in six goals off 11 shots, eight of which were on goal.
• Kenna Kaut and Emma Lindquist each netted two goals. Kaut's goals marked the first of her career as she also dished out her first career assist and caused two turnovers.
• Burns posted an impressive stat line of three goals, two assists, and one draw control.
• Devon Bolen also filled the stat sheet with one goal, one ground ball, one draw control, and two caused turnovers.
• Freshman Chamberlaine Bell dished out a career-best six assists to go along with one goal and one ground ball.
• Megan McCarthy, Lily Auger, and Skylar Simmonds all netted one goal apiece.
• Senior Jamie Fischer tallied two ground balls and two caused turnovers.
• McCarthy and Simmonds led on the draw control front as McCarthy picked up five while Simmonds matched her career-best of four. The duo helped Bryant control the draw circle, 17-10.
• Giana Kapoosuzian saw 14 shots on goal and stopped seven during a full 60 minutes between the pipes. 
• Bryant outshot Merrimack, 39-22, and forced the Warriors to 18 turnovers, compared to Bryant's 10.
• The Bulldogs evened the all-time series record between the Warriors at 6-6, but Bryant is a perfect 2-0 against Merrimack in its Division I era.

UP NEXT
Bryant is set to honor its 11 seniors in a senior day ceremony after its 1 p.m. meeting with Central Connecticut on Saturday, April 24 at Beirne Stadium.