Black and Gold fall at Sacred Heart, 1-0, in OT

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Despite battling for more than 90 minutes, the Bryant University women's soccer team fell to Sacred Heart, 1-0, in overtime Sunday afternoon in Fairfield, Conn.

Sacred Heart's Marissa Christy scored just over one minute into the first overtime period to give the Pioneers (6-5-1, 1-0 NEC) their first Northeast Conference victory of the season, while the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-1 NEC) drop their sixth-straight decision.

"It was a physical, aggressive, back-and-forth match," said Bryant head coach Chris Flint. "We had some outstanding chances to score and weren't able to convert, and they capitalized one of their opportunities and that's what it came down to."

In the 92nd minute, Christy received a pass and made a strong individual effort to get into the box and chip the game-winner over the head of Bryant goalkeeper Kaylan Conrad (Avon, Conn.) and into the back of the net for the victory.

"This is a very difficult place to play," added Flint. "Sacred Heart plays very well at home and is a very aggressive team, but I felt that we matched their intensity well, we just were unable to take advantage of our chances."

The Pioneers outshot the Bulldogs, 19-12, in the contest and earned three more corner kicks, 6-3, as well. Conrad made a game-high eight saves, while Talia Schwartz stopped all five Bryant SOGs.

 "All we can do is continue to train and prepare for Saint Francis U.," noted Flint.  "We are right there and it's important to be optimistic and think eventually 'something's got to give and we will break through' but it doesn't always work like that. We have a big weekend coming up and we will be prepared."

The Black and Gold will host the Red Flash on Friday at 12 p.m. in the first leg of Bryant soccer doubleheader, before visiting Wagner on Sunday for 1 p.m. tilt.

For all the latest news on the Bryant University women's soccer team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.