Kaut helps Bryant clinch an NEC playoff berth

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's lacrosse team punched their ticket to the Northeast Conference playoffs after a 12-11 thriller over Long Island University on Wednesday evening.

Freshman Kenna Kaut netted the game-winning goal with just over 30 seconds left to play, while senior Giana Kapoosuzian tied Bryant's Division I single-game saves record with 21 to help the Bulldogs get it done on the field.

GAME INFORMATION
Bryant 12, LIU 11
Records: Bryant (7-5, 7-5) | LIU (9-4, 7-4)
Location: Beirne Stadium (Smithfield, R.I.)

COACH ROCHE COMMENTS

"Our team showed a lot of character out there today. I'm proud of the way we battled for a full 60 minutes and encouraged by a lot of the things I saw out there today. We will use this as momentum as we prepare for next week."

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Cassidy Burns netted the first goal of the game off a free position before LIU went on to score three-straight to take an early 3-1 lead.
• Just one minute later, Skylar Simmonds found the back of the net for her first of the day, followed by a goal from Caitlin Bolen to tie the game at three-all.
• The Sharks netted three more before the end of the half as Simmonds broke up their run with two goals as she grabbed a hattrick before the end of the first 30 minutes of play. LIU held a small 6-5 advantage over Bryant at halftime.
• Long Island opened the second half with a pair of unassisted goals, but it wasn't long before Emily Diaz and Kaut pulled the score back to a one-goal game, 8-7.
• Both teams traded a pair of goals yet again, and at the eight-minute mark the Sharks grew to a two-goal lead when Amanda Masullo squeaked one past Giana Kapoosuzian.
• Bolen and Simmonds responded with back-to-back goals to tie the game. Then with 38 seconds left in the game, Chamberlaine Bell spotted Kaut from behind the cage slashing towards the goal for the game-winner, 12-11.

STATS/GAME NOTES

• Kapoosuzian tied Bryant's D1 single-game record with a career-high 21 saves and she also led with a game-high four ground balls.
• Simmonds led with four goals as she put all six of her shots on frame. She finished the game with one assist and one draw control.
• Cailtin Bolen posted a hattrick along with two ground balls and one caused turnover.
• Burns and Kaut each netted two goals apiece while Burns added one assist.
• The Bulldogs led the draw circle, 13-11, spearheaded by Megan McCarthy and Diaz each with two.
• The Sharks outshot the Bulldogs, 41-23.

UP NEXT
Bryant clinches the fourth-seeded playoff spot and will travel to Emmitsburg to meet with the NEC Regular Season Champions on May 5.